A jury in Cedar Rapids has convicted David Rafael Walker, a 37-year-old resident of the city, on charges of possessing a firearm as a felon. The decision came after a three-day trial in federal court and approximately two hours of jury deliberations.
The incident leading to Walker's conviction occurred on December 14, 2021. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Walker fired shots at a woman and her young daughter at an apartment complex in Cedar Rapids. Subsequently, he was involved in another shooting while driving around the city three days later. When law enforcement officers attempted to apprehend him, Walker fled from his vehicle. Underneath his seat, authorities discovered a firearm and a bag of marijuana with Walker's DNA found on the weapon. He had prior felony convictions for delivery of heroin and eluding law enforcement.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. In May 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy focusing on community trust, support for preventive organizations, strategic enforcement priorities, and measurable outcomes.
Walker is awaiting sentencing before United States District Court Chief Judge C.J. Williams following the preparation of a presentence report. Until then, he remains in custody with the United States Marshal Service. He could face up to ten years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release post-incarceration.
The prosecution team comprises Assistant United States Attorneys Emily Nydle, Devra Hake, and Dan Tvedt. The investigation was conducted by the Cedar Rapids Safe Streets Task Force with members from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Cedar Rapids Police Department, and Marion Police Department.