Cedar Rapids police arrest two teens in connection with Andrew Gaston homicide

Cedar Rapids Police have arrested two teens in connection with the January homicide of Andrew Dontae Gaston that was thought to be part of a drug robbery.

Kyler David Carson, 17, faces charges of voluntary manslaughter, delivery of a controlled substance-marijuana, carrying weapons and obstructing prosecution.

Tyrell Jarule Gaston, 16, faces charges of first-degree robbery, conspiracy to deliver a controlled substance-marijuana, carrying weapons a obstructing prosecution.

Police were dispatched at 11:48 p.m. Jan. 24 to the parking lot at 3217 Agin Court NE after a report of shots being fired, according to the criminal complaint filed by the Linn County Attorney's Office. Officers found Andrew Gaston and Tyrell Gaston suffering from gunshot wounds.

Andrew Gaston, 18, died at the scene from a gunshot wound to his chest, police reported. His death has been ruled a homicide. Tyrell Gaston, who was shot in the ankle, survived.

Police learned that the Gastons, who were cousins, had arranged, with the help of others, to rob Kyler Carson of marijuana at the scene of the shooting, they reported. Witnesses told investigators they had contacted Carson with the intent to lure him to the scene and rob him of marijuana.

Carson drove to the scene expecting to sell 45 pre-rolled tubes of marijuana for $900, police reported.

While Carson was engaged in delivering the marijuana to others in their car, Andrew and Tryell Gaston and a third subject ambushed Carson from behind. Andrew Gaston struck Carson in the back of the head with a metal object, police said.

Carson then turned around and exchanged gunfire with Tyrell Gaston before fleeing, witnesses said. Both Kyler Carson and Tyrell Gaston later discarded their firearms.

Carson and Tyrell Gaston were arrested Friday evening and taken to the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center. Comments: (319) 339-3157; erin.jordan@thegazette.com