Teen pleads to drug charges, less serious offenses in fatal shooting

CEDAR RAPIDS — A Cedar Rapids teen pleaded to lesser charges and was sentenced to probation Tuesday in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old who attempted to steal marijuana from him in 2020.

Kyler Carson, now 18, initially faced voluntary manslaughter and other charges.

He pleaded to possession with intent to distribute marijuana with the use of a firearm, assault, obstruction of prosecution and carrying weapons.

Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever gave Carson a deferred judgment and three years probation. He also must pay $150,000 in restitution to Andrew D. Gaston’s estate or heirs, as required by Iowa law.

Carson, who was 16 at the time, fatally shot Gaston, 18, as Gaston and his cousin, Tyrell J. Gaston, 16, were attempting to steal marijuana from Carson, according to a criminal complaint.

Police received a report of shots being fired at 11:48 p.m. and found Andrew and Tyrell Gaston with gunshot wounds in the parking lot of 3217 Agin Ct. NE.

During the investigation, police learned the Gaston cousins had arranged, with the help of others, to rob Carson that night. Witnesses told investigators they contacted Carson and “lured” him to the address to rob him.

Carson thought he was making a drug sale of $900 for 45 tubes of marijuana, the complaint stated.

Authorities said while Carson was delivering marijuana to the others in their car, the cousins ambushed Carson from behind.

Andrew Gaston struck Carson in the back of the head with a metal object, according to the complaint. Carson turned around and exchanged gunfire with Tyrell Gaston before running from the parking lot, witnesses told police.

Carson and Tyrell Gaston later discarded their firearms, which police didn't recover, according to the complaint.

Tyrell Gaston received a deferred judgment and probation for his role in the fatal drug robbery, but violated his probation last year after being charged with two counts of attempted murder.

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