On the morning of May 19, 2025, a burst of violence shattered the quiet of a Waterloo, Iowa neighborhood. Michael James Alexander Jr., a 35-year-old Black or African American male, was discovered unresponsive in a driveway in the 1300 block of West 4th Street. First responders were dispatched to the scene around 10:42 a.m. and found he had sustained gunshot wounds.
He was rushed to a local hospital, MercyOne Medical Center, but tragically, his life could not be saved, and he was pronounced dead.
The Waterloo Police Department quickly confirmed the incident was being investigated as a homicide and appealed to the public for any information that could lead to understanding the events of that morning. In the days following the shooting, an arrest was made in connection with the investigation. Tramaine Gary was taken into custody and charged with Felon in Possession of a Firearm and drug-related offenses after a handgun and marijuana were found during a search of a residence on Flower Street. However, authorities have not charged Gary with the homicide, and the investigation into Michael's death continues.
Michael, who was born in Waterloo, had been living in Sacramento, California, where he graduated from John F. Kennedy High School and later earned an associate's degree in business administration. A father to four children, he was also a gifted poet and wordsmith who was active in the underground music scene, performing in battle rap competitions under the name "Dr. Jeer." He had returned to his former hometown of Waterloo to attend a funeral and was reportedly waiting for a ride to the service at the time he was shot. His death left a void in the lives of his family and friends, who remembered his free spirit, laugh, and infectious energy.
