4th defendant charged in Cedar Rapids drug robbery

CEDAR RAPIDS - A 16-year-old is the fourth defendant charged in a drug robbery where one man was seriously injured in January.

Kevin Maurice Jones, of unknown address, made an initial appearance Thursday in Linn County District Court and was charged with attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary, according to a criminal complaint. Jones and three others are accused of shooting Joshua Spears, 36, causing serious injury, while participating in a robbery.

Marijuana was stolen from 720 1/2 4th Ave. SE, during the armed robbery, according to a criminal complaint.

Robert Cole, 23, Cedric Lang, 17, and Keanan Mercer, 17, were also charged with attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary in this incident.

On Jan. 3, police responded to the apartment and found Spears with a gunshot wound to his left arm. Officers said several men entered the apartment through an unlocked door, a rifle was displayed, words were exchanged and Spears was shot.

Police said last week they are “actively searching” for Alonzo Stokes, 21, who also is connected to the shooting. Stokes is wanted for attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary charges.

The case remains under investigation.