Cedar Rapids woman pleads to lesser charges in robbery, murder of Cordal Lewis

CEDAR RAPIDS — A 25-year-old woman pleaded Tuesday to lesser charges in the robbery of Cordal Lewis, 19, that ended in his murder — which she helped the shooter escape from on Jan. 27, 2022.

Qiuinyana Nare Jones, originally charged with first-degree robbery, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, which is a felony, and made a written guilty plea to accessory after the fact, an aggravated misdemeanor.

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Jones made an Alford plea to the conspiracy charge, meaning she maintained her innocence but admitted the prosecution had enough evidence to convict her.

Jones, during the plea, admitted she was part of a conspiracy between her and others, who she didn’t name — Pierra Baugh, Kazius Childress and Kavon Johnson — to rob Lewis and then help Childress escape after he fatally shot Lewis.

Jones, according to a surveillance video played during Childress’ murder trial, was standing by Childress, who had a handgun and was arguing with Lewis when Childress shot him.

A video showed Jones driving Childress away from the scene and then returning so Childress could remove evidence from Lewis’ body. She then drove Childress away and concealed his whereabouts.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Christopher Bruns said during the hearing there also was evidence of text messages that showed Jones had discussed the robbery with others.

Bruns noted that Jones could argue for a suspended sentence and probation, as opposed to a prison term, at sentencing. There isn’t an agreement between the defense and prosecution on whether the sentences would run consecutively or concurrently.

The first-degree robbery charge will be dismissed at sentencing, as part of the deal.

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks, after the plea, told The Gazette that Jones “was the last domino to fall in this conspiracy that started on Jan. 27, 2022, that ended in four guilty pleas and another tragic and senseless murder.”

“As a result of Mr. Childress killing Cordal Lewis, everyone involved in the planning of that robbery is now either in prison or facing prison,” Maybanks said. “Pierra Baugh, who helped take money from Cordal Lewis, is facing 27 years and now Ms. Jones is facing 12 years with additional potential time for charges she picked up while released on bond, for driving him away from the scene.”

Maybanks said Kavon Johnson, who participated in the conspiracy to rob Lewis, was “tragically shot” the next day by Childress. Childress pleaded earlier Tuesday to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Johnson and faces an additional 50 years.

Childress previously pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the fatal shooting of Lewis and was sentenced up to 50 years in prison.

“No trial was necessary, there’s no risk of acquittal from a jury and there will be no reasonable appeals,” Maybanks said. “There will now be justice and finality for the victims and their families and accountability for everyone involved. Case closed.”

Bruns said sentencing will be set for some time in October.

Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com