Man arrested 47 times in Cedar Rapids before fatal brawl

Henry Rogers gently shook his head when an attorney read the charge he faces in the death of a Georgia man.

Rogers, 28, of Cedar Rapids, is now charged with involuntary manslaughter in the death of Dustin Davis, 35, of Commerce, Ga. Rogers is accused of throwing one punch that dropped Davis during a brawl in front of 370 15

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St. SE late Tuesday.

Davis struck his head on the grass and suffered a brain injury, according to police. He died Wednesday at an Iowa City hospital.

Questions remained about why Rogers, who has a lengthy criminal record, has not spent more time in prison for past offenses. In 2004, police said he tried to stab another man to death outside of a Hy-Vee store in Cedar Rapids.

Originally charged with attempted murder, Rogers was convicted of a lesser charge, carrying a weapon, and served 5 ½ months in prison.

Linn County Attorney Jerry Vander Sanden could not be reached to comment on the details of the case.

More details surfaced Thursday about Rogers' criminal record. Cedar Rapids police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin said Rogers was arrested June 19 on three warrants for failing to appear in court. She said he has been arrested at least 48 times since 1999.

“He's got several assaults, drug paraphernalia and intoxication,” Hamblin said. “A lot of assaults.”

One woman who police say was beaten by Rogers said he never should have been a free man Tuesday night. She asked that her name not be published.

“I think justice should be served,” she said. “A man has lost his life now. What more do you need? More bodies? Enough is enough.”

Police have not released any details about what prompted Tuesday night's brawl. Rogers' biological father, Henry Walker, told The Gazette he last talked to his son last week and did not know any details of fight. He said his son was adopted by another family and declined to comment on his past offenses.

Thomas Perez, 23, who lives at the home on 15

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Street SE, was also involved in Tuesday's fight and was arrested for disorderly conduct, police said. His brother, Theodore Perez, said Rogers and Davis arrived at the house together and Davis was intoxicated.

He said Davis was “starting trouble,” but he admitted he did not witness the actual fight.

Perez's mother, Pauline Perez, said Rogers defended her son that night.

“He was protecting my son, so he wouldn't get hurt,” Pauline Perez said.

Rogers' cash-only bond remained at $10,000 on Thursday, even though the charge went up when Davis died. Involuntary manslaughter carries a prison term of up to five years.