In Cedar Rapids, Iowa, a 19-year-old Black / African American male named Cordal Rayvon Rayshawn Lewis was building a life filled with promise and passion. Known to some as CVO, he was a loving father to his son, Cordal Jr., and a devoted partner to his long-time girlfriend. Having moved to Cedar Rapids after spending his adolescent years in Clinton, he attended Washington High School where he enjoyed playing basketball.
Beyond the court, his creative spirit found an outlet in music, and he dreamed of becoming a rap musician. Remembered as a caring, bright, and funny person, his life was tragically cut short on the afternoon of January 27, 2022.
On that Thursday, on 31st Street Drive Southeast, an encounter escalated into a fatal act of violence. Cordal Lewis was shot and robbed in broad daylight, his body left in the middle of the residential street. The incident, which was captured on surveillance video, began as a robbery. Lewis was reportedly trying to comply with the demands when the situation turned deadly. The video evidence showed him running away as the shooter fired multiple times. When police arrived, they found Lewis suffering from several gunshot wounds and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The investigation into Cordal's murder quickly identified several individuals involved in the planned robbery. The primary suspect and shooter was identified as 22-year-old Kazius Childress. He was accompanied by Piera Ball and Qiuinyana Jones, who acted as the getaway driver. Surveillance footage was crucial in the case, showing Childress shooting Lewis and Ball later retrieving the murder weapon from a mailbox where Childress had hidden it. Jones was seen driving Childress away from the scene.
The legal process brought a measure of justice for Cordal Lewis's family. Kazius Childress, after initially denying his involvement, eventually pleaded guilty to second-degree murder. He was sentenced to up to 50 years in prison and must serve a mandatory minimum of 35 years before being eligible for parole. Piera Ball accepted a plea deal and received a 27-year prison sentence for her role. Qiuinyana Jones pleaded guilty to charges including first-degree robbery and accessory after the fact, resulting in an 18-year prison sentence. During the sentencing hearings, Cordal's family spoke of their profound loss, remembering a young man whose life and future were senselessly taken.
