Trial in murder of Kevin Bell could be reset if new motions are filed

The January trial date remains set in the Kevin Bell murder trial for two teens and a 20-year-old but it could be reset as a result of new motions yet to be filed in the case.

The attorneys for Denem Null, 17, Gabriel Taylor, 17, and Johven Lee, 20, all of Cedar Rapids, met Friday for a status hearing in Linn County District Court.

Mike Adams, Null's attorney, said he may file a motion to suppress a reported confession made by Null to another inmate at the jail.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns told the court he found out about the confession last week and had informed the other attorneys. Burns said he would provide them with written and taped interview statements from the witness or witnesses.

Burns said after the hearing he couldn't elaborate on the confession.

Tom Diehl, Taylor's attorney, and Ahmet Gonlubol, Lee's attorney, talked about the possibility of filing motions to sever the cases.

If this happens and the judge granted those, each defendant would have separate trials.

Sixth Judicial District Ian Thornhill said he wasn't moving the trial date of Jan. 10, at this time. He told the attorneys they could file continuances down the road if needed.

Bell, 26, was shot in the head when Null, Taylor and Lee broke into his apartment at 113 First Ave. SW on Jan. 11, according to a police report. Bell was shot by one of the intruders during what police called a botched robbery attempt. Bell died the next day.

According to the criminal complaint, Null is accused of firing the shot that killed Bell.