Iowa City Police say the victim in a recent murder case was killed by a transient during an armed robbery.
That’s according to arrest records released by the ICPD on Monday. According to the charges filed, 22-year-old Sammy Hamed was found by police a few hours after the shooting inside the South Governor Street apartment building where 19-year-old Quincy Russom was found shot to death. Hamed was found with several of Russom’s possessions, including his phone, as well as a handgun. Forensic testing matched the gun to shells found inside the apartment where Russom was shot.
Witnesses placed Hamed inside the apartment when the shooting happened. A witness also said there were three total suspects. Police say the 9-1-1 call reporting the shooting was placed just before 8pm on February 12th, about a half-hour after it took place.
Hamed is charged with 1st Degree Murder, a Class A Felony punishable by life in prison. He has multiple previous theft and drug convictions.
The ICPD continues to request information from anyone who has information regarding this case. The Iowa City Area CrimeStoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects in these matters. Anyone with information about this crime is urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 358-TIPS (8477) or at www.iccrimestoppers.org. All contacts are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information do not have to reveal their identity to collect a reward.
