In the late afternoon of September 10, 2025, a burst of violence on the northeast side of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, irrevocably shattered the lives of a young family and a community. Dedric Arnold, a 23-year-old White male, was fatally shot on the 100 block of 27th Street NE around 4:20 p.m. Another individual was also shot and injured during the incident as they approached a residence.
A nearby elementary school was briefly placed on lockdown as a precaution in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. Arnold was rushed to a local hospital, but tragically, he succumbed to his injuries.
Remembered as a goofy and fun-loving man with a big heart and an infectious smile that could light up any room, Dedric was a devoted father to his young daughter. His family, including his wife, parents, and siblings, are left grappling with the immense grief of his sudden and violent death. His mother, in the face of her profound loss, has called for peace and an end to gun violence, highlighting the deep-rooted issues she believes contribute to such tragedies. In the days following his death, family, friends, and loved ones gathered for a vigil at the site of the shooting, lighting candles and spelling out his name in flowers to honor his memory.
The investigation into Dedric Arnold's death moved swiftly, and on the morning of September 11, 2025, the Cedar Rapids Police Department announced an arrest. Kaleek Lewis, also 23 years old, was taken into custody and charged with first-degree murder in connection with Arnold's death. Lewis also faces charges of attempted murder, going armed with intent, and use of a dangerous weapon in the commission of a crime. If convicted of the first-degree murder charge, he faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison.
