Trial for Chicago man accused of robbery, shooting deputy canceled Thursday for snow

CEDAR RAPIDS — The trial for a Chicago man, who is accused of robbing the Casey’s store in Coggon and shooting a Linn County sheriff’s deputy seven times June 20, 2021, was delayed Thursday because of a snowstorm.

Peter Stiefel, the lawyer representing Stanley Donahue, 38, lives in Iowa County and couldn’t get to Cedar Rapids Thursday. Testimony will resume at 9 a.m. Friday. The prosecution will wrap up its case and the defense will start. Closing arguments will likely be Monday.

Donahue is charged with two counts of first-degree robbery, attempted murder of a peace officer, two counts of false imprisonment, willful injury, attempt to elude, disarming a peace officer, trafficking in stolen weapons and possession of a firearm as a felon.

According to the opening statement, the defense plans to show there is reasonable doubt that Donahue is the suspect from the robbery.

Donahue is accused of forcing two clerks into a cooler and stealing about $300 in cash, 89 packs of cigarettes, numerous car chargers, gift cards and personal belongings of the employees, according to testimony.

After shooting Deputy William Halverson, the prosecution says, Donahue took the deputy’s service Glock and fled in his Dodge van. Donahue was arrested after an overnight 14-hour search that involved drones and police dogs, according to testimony. Authorities found Donahue after a TV news crew spotted him walking along Aldridge Road, near Coggon, and alerted the sheriff’s office.

If Donahue is convicted of all 10 charges, he faces up to 112 years in prison with a mandatory 65 years to serve before being eligible for parole.

Gazette Reporter Trish Mehaffey will continue her live coverage from the courtroom on Friday.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com