Hunter
05/23/23
A man convicted in the Taboo Nightclub shootings in Cedar Rapids last year has been sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The Gazette reports that family members of the victims who were at Timothy Rush’s sentencing expressed frustration that Rush wasn’t given a stiffer sentence. He was convicted in the fatal shooting of Nicole Owens and Marvin Cox, who died about three months after being shot.
Owens’ stepmother expressed frustration and confusion by what she said was a lack of care and compassion throughout the case for her and her family. She said there were “systemic issues” that affect people of color.
The mother of Cox’s 6-year-old daughter said his life meant more than a mere 30 years.
The criminal complaint against Rush said that he fired intentionally and indiscriminately, causing the two fatalities. He also injured five others, two seriously. He was charged with two counts of 2nd degree murder, but that was pleaded down to two counts of involuntary manslaughter and other charges.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Sean McPartland sentenced Rush to 30 years, running three charges concurrently and all others consecutively. He also was ordered to pay $150,000 each in restitution to the heirs or estates of Owens and Cox.
The other shooter that night, 29-year-old Dimione Walker, was convicted in the fatal shooting of Michael Valentine. He’s been sentenced to life in prison without parole.