Iowa City: Ped Mall Shooter Plans to Use "Stand Your Ground" Defense // Updated: Wilson Cannot Use "Stand Your Ground" Defense to Avoid Trial

(Originally written on 09/19/17): Iowa passed its own "stand your ground" law during the past legislative session. It states that law-abiding people do not have to retreat before using deadly force to defend themselves if they believe their life is in danger — even if they are wrong in perceiving the danger faced, as long as the belief is "reasonable." That law went into effect on July 1st.

Now the Ped Mall shooting suspect from late last month, 23-year-old Lamar Wilson, has indicated through his attorney that he will use Iowa's new "stand your ground" law as a defense in the fatal shooting of 22-year-old Kaleek Jones. He also plans to claim self-defense, defense of other, defense of property, and defense against a forcible felony.

His trial has been scheduled for 11/07/17. He has pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder, attempted murder and intimidation with a dangerous weapon.

Updated on 11/03/17:  A district court judge ruled today that Lamar Wilson cannot use Iowa's new "stand your ground" law to avoid trial for his involvement in the August 27 Ped Mall shooting death of Kaleek Jones. Wilson's attorney argued that the shooting was justified since he was defending himself from gunfire from another group of people. Wilson had a valid permit to carry firearms at the time of the shooting.


District Judge Paul Miller appears to have left open the possibility that he can still use that as a defense during the trial.