Convicted felon pleads not guilty to charges he carried firearm away from the scene of fatal shooting of Coralville 3-year-old

Lang
8/27/22

A convicted felon accused of carrying a firearm away from the scene of a Coralville shooting that killed a three-year-old child has pleaded not guilty.

33-year-old Chris Gordon entered the plea earlier this week. Witnesses told investigators Gordon was seen fleeing the scene of a July 3rd shooting on Boston Way that killed three-year-old Damaria Sanders. Gordon was allegedly carrying the gun used in the shooting, although arrest records do not indicate if he is suspected of firing the weapon. Gordon has a 2014 felony conviction out of Illinois, and is thus unable to legally carry a firearm.

Gordon was taken into custody on July 24th by Iowa City Police during a traffic stop on the 700 block of South Gilbert Street. A search of the vehicle allegedly turned up an open container of alcohol and a loaded pistol. The 2012 Kia Sorrento also allegedly smelled of burnt marijuana.

Gordon is charged with two counts of Dominion or Control of a Firearm by a Felon and one count each of Carrying Weapons and Operating While Intoxicated. If convicted on all charges, he faces a maximum of over 12 years in prison.

Earlier this week Judge Deborah Minot set a case management conference for September 8th.