Two Teenagers Arrested in Connection to NE C.R. Homicide

The Cedar Rapids Police Department (CRPD) has announced two arrests connected to the death of 18-year-old Andrew Gaston in Cedar Rapids in January.

Gaston was shot and killed in the parking lot at 3217 Agin Court N.E. late in the evening of Friday, January 24, 2020. Police have arrested 17-year-old Kyler D. Carson and 16-year-old Tyrell J. Gaston on multiple charges in the case.

A criminal complaint filed with the Linn County Attorney's Office shows Andrew and Tyrell Gaston were planning to rob Kyler Carson of marijuana. A media release from the CRPD says the Gastons, with the help of others, lured Carson to the scene where he was expecting to sell 45 pre-rolled marijuana tubes for $900.

When Carson arrived and was giving the marijuana to occupants of their car, Andrew Gaston, Tyrell Gaston, and an unnamed third person ambushed Carson from behind. Police say Andrew Gaston hit Carson in the back of the head with a metal object. Witnesses say Carson then spun around, exchanging gunfire with Tyrell Gaston. Carson left the scene and police say both he and Tyrell Gaston got rid of their weapons.

When police arrived on the scene, they found Tyrell Gaston with a gunshot wound to the ankle. Andrew Gaston had been shot in the chest and died at the scene.

Kyler Carson has been charged with Voluntary Manslaughter, Delivery of a Controlled Substance-Marijuana (Firearm Enhancement), Carrying Weapons, and Obstructing Prosecution.

Tyrell Gaston faces charges of Robbery-1st Degree, Conspiracy to Deliver a Controlled Substance-Marijuana (Firearm Enhancement), Carrying Weapons, and Obstructing Prosecution. According to the Gazette, Tyrell Gaston and Andrew Gaston were cousins.

Both are being held at the Linn County Juvenile Detention Center.