18-year-old charged with attempted murders while on probation for fatal drug robbery

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids man on probation for his role in a fatal drug robbery has been charged with two counts of attempted murder in a Nov. 2 shooting.

Tyrell Jarule Gaston, 18, is charged with two counts of attempted murder after trying to kill Cornelius Gaston and Nikolas Palmer in the 800 block of E Avenue NW, according to a criminal complaint filed Tuesday. Tyrell also is charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon and going armed with intent.

Cedar Rapids police responded after receiving a report of shots fired around 12:30 p.m. Nov. 2, according to a city news release.

The release said Tyrell Gaston fired multiple shots at his relative, striking the car he was in before fleeing in a black Honda Accord. Investigators found nine shell casings at the scene and a bullet hole in the victim’s car from what was apparently a handgun, according to the criminal complaint.

Cornelius Gaston was dropping off Palmer at his home when a vehicle with Tyrell and Earnest Gaston pulled up near them and stopped, the complaint said.

One of the men reported hearing Earnest Gaston yell “kill his a--” before the defendant emerged from the vehicle and opened fire, the complaint said.

In September, Tyrell Gaston was sentenced to three years’ probation and given deferred judgment for his role in drug robbery that ended in the death of his cousin in 2020. The judge cited Gaston’s successful completion of probation for some charges in juvenile court and changes made to his life.

During a plea hearing last year, Gaston admitted to planning a marijuana robbery with his cousin, Andrew Gaston, 18. Witnesses told investigators they contacted Kyler Carson, 17, and “lured” him to an address to rob him.

Carson thought he was making a drug sale for $900.

Following recommendations of Assistant Linn County Attorney Monica Slaughter, 6th Judicial District Judge Fae Hoover said Gaston’s positive steps made him a good candidate for deferred judgment, commending him for making the effort to care for his mental health and stay in therapy.

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