Suspect in Cedar Rapids cab driver's death faces new robbery charge

The man accused of killing a Cedar Rapids cab driver last year, set to stand trial in less than two weeks, now faces an added charge of robbery.

Johnathan Mitchell, 33, of Cedar Rapids, will be arraigned Friday for first-degree robbery. Mitchell is accused of robbing Cathy Stickley, 54, the Century Cab driver he is accused of killing, on April 29, 2011.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Nic Scott said Thursday he amended the trial information to include first-degree robbery, along with the first-degree murder charge, because as the depositions were being taken, it became more evident the incident began as a robbery.

According to a criminal complaint, Stickley was found dead by her vehicle in the 1500 block alley between Second and Third avenues SE. Stickley died of multiple stab wounds to her neck and head.

The hearing Friday will also be a pre-trial conference to address any pending issues before the trial starts Aug. 14 in Story County District Court. Mitchell was granted a change of venue last October. The trial is expected to last two weeks.

Mitchell also is charged with

beating a man near Coe College in 2010. He was out on bond in that case during the time Stickley was killed.Mitchell remains in the Linn County Jail under a $1 million bond pending trial.