Man charged in attempted murder doesn't remember speaking to police

A 21-year-old Cedar Rapids man, charged with attempted murder and robbery, said today during a Linn County District Court hearing that he was too drunk to remember signing a statement he gave police.

In an evidence suppression hearing today, Sharden Houke claimed that he didn't remember much of the early morning hours of May 24, when Artrell Charles was robbed and shot in the head at his Cedar Rapids residence.

Houke faces charges of first-degree robbery, attemped murder and going armed with intent.

The defense filed a motion to suppress Houke's statements to police during a videotaped interview.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Denver Dillard said he would review the videotaped interview and make a ruling later.

Houke testified he had been drinking all night on May 23 with some friends. He estimated drinking $50 of whiskey, followed by several other alcoholic drinks and shots. He was interviewed by police but doesn't remember signing a waiver of rights form, he said.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns asked Houke if he remembered making cell phone calls to his girlfriend and others from the police department, asking them to lie for him.

Houke said he didn't remember making the calls.

Houke's sister, Tyleia Houke, 15, of Cedar Rapids, testified she saw her brother around 4 or 4:30 a.m. May 24 and he was intoxicated. She also said she saw Houke go to Charles' apartment to ask him about a stolen television, but didn't see anything else.

Burns asked Tyleia Houke if her brother asked her to lie for him during a phone call.

Tyleia said she didn't remember that.

Burns said the conversation was recorded since it was made from the jail.

Juston Gruner, 21, of Cedar Rapids, also faces charges of first-degree robbery, intimidation with a weapon and going armed with intent in the case.