Judge won't lower bond for man accused in Cedar Rapids strip club shooting

A judge denied a request to lower a $3 million bond set for a 22-year-old man accused of killing a man outside of a strip club in April.

Dominique Fisher of Cedar Rapids, charged with first-degree murder in the case, made an argument for a lower bond of $100,000 with the conditions of wearing an ankle bracelet and moving into a halfway house, which was a sentencing recommendation for a guilty plea to a previous drug tax stamp violation.

Johnson County Chief Public Defender Peter Persaud, Fisher's attorney, told the court there were unusual facts and circumstances in the case because Fisher didn't flee after the shooting and remained in his home for 16 days until he was arrested. Fisher's family has limited funds but they are supportive, and if the family could come up with the bond money, he wouldn't risk losing their money by running,  Persaud said.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns said Fisher remained in the community before arrest because "he didn't think he would get caught." Fisher is now facing a murder charge and is a flight risk, Burns said.

Burns also said the court should also consider Fisher's prior criminal history, which includes assault, carrying weapons, disordering conduct, interference with officials acts and an escape charge.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Stephen Jackson Jr. said he understood that Fisher didn't leave the community before arrest, but now he has been charged and if convicted, faces a life sentence. Given the nature of the charges, Jackson said he wasn't willing to lower Fisher's bond.

Fisher is accused of fatally shooting Raphael C. Blackwell Jr., who was unarmed, in the parking lot of Woody's Show Club on April 16. According to a criminal complaint, Fisher confronted Blackwell in the parking lot, pulled out a handgun and shot Blackwell as he was walking away.

Fisher has pleaded not guilty. His trial is set for Nov. 26 in Linn County District Court.