First-degree murder trial of Kenyauta Vesey-Keith moved to May 1

CEDAR RAPIDS - The first-degree murder trial of a 16-year-old, accused of shooting a 21-year-old man and injuring another teen last March, has been reset to May 1 in Linn County District Court.

Kenyauta Vesey-Keith of Cedar Rapids is charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder, willful injury causing serious injury and intimidation with a weapon. He is accused of fatally shooting Brandon Johnson, also of Cedar Rapids, on March 19.

Johnson was killed during a fight in the 1100 block of Maplewood Drive NE, a criminal complaint shows. At least a dozen people, adults and juveniles, were fighting that day in the middle of the street.

Police said Vesey-Keith got a gun from a vehicle, fired multiple rounds, with bullets hitting two people. Johnson was killed and Deaveon Gaudlin, 16, was seriously injured.

The March fight was a continuation of a dispute that began with a brawl in the Lindale Mall food court in February 2014, police said after the shooting. That mall fight turned into an ongoing rivalry between two families and their friends.

Vesey-Keith, during a hearing on Friday, waived his one-year speedy trial rights and agreed with his lawyer to reset the trial.

Todd Weimer, Vesey-Keith's lawyer, in his written statement said the defense needed more time for discovery and conducting depositions of witnesses.

Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden didn't resist the motion and agreed to the new trial date.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever said if there is a court scheduling conflict with the May 1 date, he would contact the attorneys. He confirmed with attorneys the trial is expected to last two weeks.

In June, McKeever ruled that Vesey-Keith would remain in adult court based on the seriousness of the charges and lack of 'reasonable prospects” for rehabilitation. The teen could receive services through the juvenile system only until age 18.

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