Central City Murder Suspect in Linn County Jail; Bond Set at $500,000

A Linn County judge has set a $500,0000 bond for the suspect of the Aug.23 shooting.

The suspect, 63-year-old Martin Wilkinson, made a video appearence to the court from the Linn County Jail, but spoke little, according to the Gazette.

But a criminal complaint shows that he did speak to police earlier while being treated for injuries at a hospital, explaining, "It just got out of hand." 

Emergency responders found Cedar Rapids resident Gregory William O'Hare , face down in the road, at around 8:39 a.m. Friday in an area known as Muckersville in Central City.

Sheriff's deputies later went to Wilkinson's Central City home, which was nearby. They tried to negotiate with Wilkinson, but when it became clear he was not coming out, they blocked off the perimeter, according to the Gazette.

Officers used tear gas to get him out of his home, and then used a Taser to take him into custody, Linn County Sheriff's Department said in a statement. When searching his home, they found the gun used in the shooting, a 9mm Astra. 

He's been charged with with first-degree murder and possession of firearms by a felon.