Iowa City Ped Mall shooter to rely on self-defense, Stand Your Ground at trial

IOWA CITY — Lamar Wilson, who stands accused in a Pedestrian Mall shooting, will argue he fired his weapon in self-defense and invoke Iowa's 'stand your ground' law, according to court documents filed this week.accused of shooting Kaleek Jones, 23, and two other men on Aug. 27. Jones later died of a gunshot wound to his back and neck.

Court records show that Wilson, 21, pleaded not guilty Monday to one count of first-degree murder, two counts of attempted murder and three counts of intimidation with a dangerous weapon. His attorney, John Bruzek, also filed a notice of affirmative defenses on Monday, stating his client will use a justification defense.

Wilson 'intends to rely wholly, or in part, on self-defense, defense of others, defense against a forcible felony, defense of property and the right to 'stand your ground,' ' Bruzek wrote in the motion.

Under 'stand your ground' — which became law July 1 — Iowans are not required to retreat from a threat or call police before using deadly force.

Wilson is

Police patrolling the Ped Mall the morning of Aug. 27 responded to a shooting near College and Dubuque streets around 1:29 a.m. Police said the shooting was the result of a feud between two groups — one predominantly from Iowa City and the other largely from

Cedar Rapids.

Wilson is accused of firing several rounds at people in close range near the walkway between the Sheraton Hotel and Martini's bar. When he was captured a short distance from where the shooting took place, Wilson was found with two firearms. Wilson had a valid permit to carry a gun.

Wilson is scheduled to go to trial Nov. 7.

Also arrested in connection with the Ped Mall shooting is Donte R. Taylor, 21, who was found with a 9 mm handgun when he was arrested in a parking ramp near where the shooting took place.

Taylor faces counts of trafficking in stolen weapons, possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying weapons, interference with official acts and public intoxication.

Taylor has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial Oct. 24.

First-degree murder is a felony punishable by an automatic life sentence.