CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – The trial of Kazius Childress, charged with first-degree murder and going armed with intent in the fatal shooting of 19-year-old Cordal Lewis, began this week at the Linn County Courthouse. Prosecutors opened the trial by alleging that Childress fired 11 times at Lewis as he was running away, delivering fatal shots “in cold blood.”
Prosecutors claimed that Childress had already made up his mind to kill Lewis on the day of the shooting. The evidence showed that Lewis, who presented no threat to Childress, was shot multiple times while trying to flee the scene. The incident took place outside a house in Cedar Rapids and was captured on surveillance video at the home. The jury in Linn County is expected to view the footage as part of the trial.
One key witness, Clee Barney, testified that on the day of the shooting, Childress and others were at his house, where the altercation took place. Barney recounted how Childress, armed with a gun, confronted Lewis and demanded he hand over his chain. The situation escalated, and ultimately, Childress began shooting at Lewis.
Childress’ defense attorney argued that the details of the case lie in the evidence and the witness testimonies. The defense emphasized that the shooting incident was not a robbery but a result of a confrontation that turned deadly. The trial is ongoing, with more testimonies and evidence expected to be presented in the coming days.
The testimony in the trial shed light on the events that led to the fatal shooting and provided crucial insights into the circumstances surrounding the case. As the trial unfolds, the court will weigh the evidence presented and make a determination regarding Childress’ guilt in the first-degree murder and going armed with intent charges.