State drops charges against 16-year-old in Cedar Rapids robbery case

Attempted murder and other charges filed against a 16-year-old in connection with a Cedar Rapids drug robbery were dismissed Wednesday by the state.

Kevin Maurice Jones was charged in April with attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary, but those charges are now dismissed without prejudice, which allows the state to refile charges if warranted, according to a motion filed Wednesday by the Linn County Attorney's Office.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Burns said in the motion the charges were being dismissed based on review of investigative materials and information gathered in depositions. He also said further investigation was needed in this case.

Three others have been charged in the case. They are accused of shooting Joshua Spears, 36, causing serious injury, while participating in a drug robbery Jan. 3, 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.

Police found Spears with a gunshot wound to his left arm after responding to the robbery. Officers said several men entered the apartment through an unlocked door, a rifle was displayed, words were exchanged and Spears was shot.

Police said they are also looking for another man in this case, Alonzo Stokes, 21. Stokes is wanted for attempted murder, first-degree robbery and first-degree burglary charges.

The case remains under investigation.