CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A murder trial is underway this week in Linn County for Kazius Childress, who is charged with first-degree murder and going armed with intent in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Cordal Lewis on Jan. 27, 2022. The shooting occurred outside a house in southeast Cedar Rapids and was captured on surveillance video. Prosecutors allege that Childress shot Lewis 11 times, leading to his death.
During the trial, Assistant Linn County Attorney Jennifer Erger stated that Childress made a conscious decision to kill Lewis as he was running away. She emphasized that the evidence would demonstrate that Lewis did not pose a threat to Childress at the time of the shooting. The jury heard that Lewis was shot in the back and in the chest, with one bullet piercing his heart, causing his death.
Childress initially denied being at the scene of the shooting, but later confessed to being present. He claimed, however, that he did not pull the trigger. According to prosecutors, Childress then changed his story, implicating another individual, Kavon Johnson, as the actual shooter. Notably, Johnson was fatally shot the day after Lewis’ murder, and Childress faces additional charges in connection with Johnson’s killing.
The homeowner, Clee Barney, testified during the trial, providing insight into the events leading up to the shooting. Barney recounted the moments when Childress and Lewis, along with others, were at his house. He described how the situation escalated, leading to the fatal confrontation between Childress and Lewis. The surveillance video from his home captured the altercation, providing crucial evidence in the case.
Defense attorney Adrian Haughton contended that the video footage would reveal details that support Childress’ version of events. Haughton argued that Lewis continued to approach Childress despite efforts to escape, suggesting that the shooting may have been a result of self-defense.
The trial continues, as the prosecution and defense present their respective cases before the jury. As the proceedings unfold, both sides will seek to provide clarity on the events that led to the tragic shooting of Cordal Lewis.