Jackson Park Shooter Sentenced to Statutory Maximum

A Dubuque man who fired at least seven shots into Jackson Park was sentenced today to 10 years in federal prison.

Cowan Godfrey, 31, from Dubuque, Iowa, received the prison term after a March 8, 2016, guilty plea to felon in possession of ammunition.

Evidence at sentencing showed that on April 1, 2015, Godfrey, and fellow gang members, went to Jackson Street Park, in Dubuque, Iowa.  While at the park, Godfrey and his associates became involved in an altercation with another group of individuals.  During the altercation Godfrey retrieved a firearm from a nearby car and fired at least seven shots into the park.  Numerous children and families were present during the shooting and a least one bullet hit playground equipment.  No one was injured.      

Godfrey was sentenced in Cedar Rapids by United States District Court Chief Judge Linda R. Reade.  Godfrey was sentenced to 120 months’ imprisonment.  A special assessment of $100 was imposed.  He must also serve a three-year term of supervised release after the prison term.  There is no parole in the federal system.

Godfrey is being held in the United States Marshal’s custody until he can be transported to a federal prison.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisa C. Williams and investigated by the Dubuque Police Department. 

Court file information at https://ecf.iand.uscourts.gov/cgi-bin/login.pl. 

The case file number is 15-cr-1027.

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