Nearly two months have passed since a street fight in downtown Dubuque claimed the life of Jermaris West.
The 24-year-old was stabbed to death Sept. 7 near 16th and Washington streets, though no homicide charges have been filed in the case. Police are continuing the investigation and say results from the state crime lab could play a part in what, if any, charges will be filed, said Dubuque Police Lt. Scott Baxter.
Meanwhile, two brothers are scheduled to go to trial together this month for attempted-murder charges in connection with the stabbing of a second person during the fight.
LaShaun Runnels said she's waiting for some closure after her fiance's death. She knows police are waiting for evidence. But it bothers her that there could be some people out there who haven't faced justice.
"I still cry every night when I go home," she said, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I'm making it, but it's hard."
The attempted-murder charges correspond with the stabbing of Derrick Tye, 23, who sustained wounds in the head and upper back
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Joseph Wright's attempted-murder charges are not outlined in detail in court documents, but he's accused of aiding and abetting his brother. The 20-year-old also is accused of displaying a knife to a woman and threatening her.
The brothers' trials were combined after prosecutors argued they would have the same witnesses.
Now, Joseph Wright's attorney wants to separate the trials. Christopher Soppe wrote that evidence against Jerel Wright might implicate his brother, and he also believes the trial of both could become too complex for the jury. He also argued that Joseph Wright invoked his 5th Amendment right to remain silent during his interrogation but was questioned anyway.
Soppe also claims that there's no probable cause for the attempted- murder charge. Soppe declined to comment on the case, other than to say he maintains his client's innocence.
A judge will take up the motions next week.
In a letter to the Telegraph Herald, Joseph Wright said he didn't aid or abet attempted murder. He said he wants to return to his family in Chicago.
"I came to your city for a new beginning in life, to change my ways, to become a better man in life, to live a dream. I was once told Dubuque is (an) educated town and I believe in that," Wright wrote in his letter. "If I had one thought in my head that I was coming here to go to jail, I would have stayed home in Chicago."
According to a report by the Iowa Department of Corrections, Joseph Wright told a court official that he moved to Dubuque about four weeks before the stabbing. The reason: because of "the ladies."
The trial is scheduled to begin Nov. 16.
