Metro Briefs
Matthews asks for delay
Micah Matthews sent another letter to 6th Judicial District Judge Douglas Russell, this time asking to postpone his April 17 sentencing.
In his letter, filed Monday, Matthews also requested transcripts from his February trial.
During the four-day trial, Russell heard testimony detailing a June 5, 2007, incident. Matthews entered a Jema Court home and forced its resident at gunpoint to drive him to a bank. When she was unable to take out $500 he demanded, he forced her back to the house, where he pistol-whipped and sexually assaulted her.
Russell convicted Matthews of first- and second-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary. The burglary conviction includes a first-degree sexual-abuse charge.
The kidnapping conviction is a Class A felony, which carries a mandatory life sentence in prison.
Second-degree kidnapping and first-degree burglary are Class B felonies, each punishable by up to 25 years in prison.
Since his conviction, Matthews filed a slew of motions without his attorneys, Davis Foster and Paul Miller of Iowa City, both of whom he claims misrepresented him. Last week, Matthews asked for new legal representation for post-conviction relief.
Matthews will have to wait until his Friday court appearance. Before the scheduled sentencing, the judge will first decide whether to grant his numerous requests.
— by Zhi Xiong
Police investigate reported attack, robbery
Iowa City police are investigating an alleged assault and robbery outside a local bar.
According to police reports, a 20-year-old Iowa City resident was leaving Los Cocos Bar, 1921 Keokuk St., around 2 a.m. April 11. An unknown assailant struck the victim in the face and continued to kick his face when the victim fell to the ground, police said.
A bystander helped the victim to his feet, and the victim walked home. He went to the hospital around noon on April 11 and learned he had sustained numerous fractures to his face, likely requiring surgery to repair, authorities said.
Police said several people witnessed the attack, but neither the victim nor any witness immediately reported it.
The suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, 6-2, and 180 pounds.
— by Regina Zilbermints
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