Iowa City murder trial: Jury selection continues in case of cabdriver’s fatal shooting

DAVENPORT - Jury selection began Monday in the trial of a Mount Pleasant man accused of fatally shooting a cabdriver in Iowa City last year.

Curtis C. Jones, 42, charged with first-degree murder, is charged in the fatal shooting Ricky Lillie, 46, on June 27, 2017. The trial was moved to Scott County District Court because of concerns that pretrial media coverage in Johnson County could affect Jones' right to a fair trial.

Police said Lillie drove Jones to the 500 block of Ernest Street in south Iowa City around 11 p.m., where Jones shot Lillie in the head.

Jones also faced a charge of first-degree robbery, but the prosecution dismissed that charge earlier this month.

The trial is expected to last about two weeks. Jurors filled out questionnaires and 6th Judicial District Judge Chad Kepros asked questions regarding scheduling on Monday. Jury selection continues Tuesday.

The Gazette will provide live coverage from the courtroom once testimony begins.

Jones also is charged with first-degree murder in the April 22, 2017, fatal shooting of Jonathan Wieseler, 34, a bail bondsman killed in his downtown Iowa City office.

Police said Wieseler was shot during a robbery sometime between 10:20 and 10:32 p.m. at Lederman Bail Bonds.

That trial was continued in September after the prosecution requested more time to test DNA evidence. That trial has been reset for Jan. 11 in Polk County District Court, also relocated because of concerns about pretrial media coverage.

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