Edited release/Hunter
03/13-14/23
More details have been released on the arrest of a suspect in the October homicide at Iowa City’s H-Bar.
According to a news release, the incident occurred Sunday, October 23rd just before 2 am. Police responded to the business on South Van Buren Street for a report of multiple shots fired in the alley. While en route, reports came in of at least one person shot.
Officers arrived on scene and located an adult male – later identified as 36-year-old Waymond Thomas of Iowa City – suffering from at least one gunshot wound.
Police now say the death occurred due to Thomas and a friend of Thomas confronting 19-year-old Antonio Scotton of Cedar Rapids about Scotton’s involvement in an earlier assault. Scotton and his acquaintance were walking away when Thomas confronted Scotton verbally and then punched him. A physical fight ensued between the four. During the fight, a firearm in the possession of Thomas’ friend dropped to the ground. Scotton reportedly picked up the gun and began firing. Thomas and his friend started running away, but one of the shots hit Thomas. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until he was transported to the hospital for treatment. Thomas died while at the hospital.
Iowa City Police arrested Scotton Monday morning.
Scotton faces charges of Voluntary Manslaughter and Intimidation with a Dangerous Weapon. If convicted on both charges, Scotton could be sentenced to up to twenty years in prison.