2 cousins will have separate murder trials

CEDAR RAPIDS - Two cousins accused of killing a man in Cedar Rapids last fall will have separate first-degree murder trials, likely early next year, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Justin Ross, 18, of Cedar Rapids, filed a motion to sever his trial from that of Donovan Ross, 19, of Hiawatha. They are accused of fatally shooting Andre Herron, 30, who was found dead Nov. 26 on Seventh Street SW.

Todd Weimer, Donovan Ross' public defender, and Assistant Linn County Attorney Jason Besler didn't resist separating the trials. During the hearing Wednesday, both defendants also waived their rights to speedy trials.

According to the criminal complaints, Justin Ross shot Herron with a .45-caliber revolver, causing his death, while Donovan Ross shot a .22-caliber revolver at Herron with the intent to kill him.

Multiple witnesses placed the pair at the scene of the shooting, according to a search warrant.