Suspect in Iowa City shooting and burglary sentenced to 5 years in prison

Lang
2/2/24

A suspect in an Iowa City burglary and shooting has been sentenced as part of a plea deal.

27-year-old Eldra Jennings of Davis Street had initially been charged with 1st Degree Burglary, Willful Injury Causing Bodily Injury, Going Armed with Intent,  Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon, and Dominion or Control of a Firearm as a Felon.

Iowa City Police encountered Jennings after his vicitm checked themselves into the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on April 12th of last year with a gunshot wound. Jennings was identified by witnesses as the suspect.  Police determined Jennings and a co-defendant forced their way into the victim’s Broadway Street residence to confront the victim in a dispute over property damage. Jennings produced a pistol and fired one shot, striking the victim.

Court records show Jennings reached a plea deal in the case last month. Judge  Lars Anderson sentenced him to five years in prison on the Going Armed with Intent and Assault While Displaying a Dangerous Weapon charges. All other counts were dismissed.

If convicted on the original charges, Jennings could have been sentenced to up to 42 years in prison.