Judge denies review of Cedar Rapids police files for man accused in Iowa City Ped Mall fatal shooting

Trish Mehaffey The Gazette More stories from Trish

IOWA CITY — A judge ruled Wednesday that Lamar Wilson, charged in fatal Ped Mall shooting in August, cannot review or have access to police investigation records from a Cedar Rapids shooting, which involves two men who are witnesses in Wilson’s case.  

Wilson claims the two men, identified by police as victims in the Ped Mall shooting, were actually aggressors and he fired shots that day in an attempt to defend himself.

John Bruzek, Wilson’s lawyer, argued last month during a hearing that the Cedar Rapids shooting, which happened Oct. 22, after the Ped Mall shooting Aug. 27, could be relevant to his client’s case because some of the same individuals are involved.

Wilson, 21, is charged with first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder, three counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon and criminal gang participation. He is accused of fatally shooting Kaleek Jones, 22, and injuring two others on the Iowa City Ped Mall. Jones died from a gunshot wound to his back and neck.

Wilson has claimed he should have “stand your ground” immunity in the fatal shooting because he was acting in self-defense.

6th Judicial District Judge Paul Miller, in Wednesday’s ruling, denied Wilson’s motion asking the court to review the Cedar Rapids police investigation of the October shooting because it is an ongoing investigation and the information sought is considered confidential according to Iowa law.

First Assistant Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks argued during last month’s hearing that the case is ongoing and the information is confidential.  

Miller also agreed with Maybanks’ view that there is no case law or authority for the court to conduct a review like this. He also called the defense’s request a “fishing expedition” into the Cedar Rapids police files.

Wilson’s trial is set for Jan. 22 in Polk County District Court. The trial was moved from Johnson County based on pretrial publicity.

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