Complaint: conversation with shooter’s mother preceded Monday shooting

CEDAR RAPIDS - The victim in Monday's shooting in southwest Cedar Rapids was speaking with the shooter's mother before the shooting occurred.

According to a Linn County Attorney's Office criminal complaint, the shooting victim - identified as 37-year-old Joseph Jeffords - and an acquaintance were at 3105 Stoney Point Road, where 26-year-old Cornelius D. Perry resides. Authorities said Jeffords and the acquaintance were speaking with Perry's mother outside the entrance to her residence.

At some point in the conversation, Perry stepped out of the residence and shot Jeffords in the chest. Police said Perry admitted to shooting Jeffords and a Beretta 9 mm handgun was recovered. Police said the handgun was Perry's.

The complaint states that Jeffords remains in critical condition at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.

Perry was initially arrested by Cedar Rapids police on charges of willful injury and assault while displaying a dangerous weapon. However, Perry has been formally charged with attempted murder and willful injury.

Police have not said what triggered the shooting, but said it does not appear to be part of an ongoing dispute that has been tied to several shootings this year.

There have been 68 shots fired incidents in Cedar Rapids in 2015.