As a result of the Iowa City Police investigation into the March 29, 2025, shooting in the 1800 Block of South Gilbert Street, Iowa City Police and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested Antavis M.W. Watson, 44, address unknown, on Tuesday, April 1.
Watson is accused of fatally shooting Elijah Williams, 38, of Iowa City. Watson faces the following charges:
First-Degree Murder
Attempted Murder
Possession of a Firearm as a Felon
A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
This case remains under investigation by the Iowa City Police Department, Johnson County Attorney's Office, the Johnson County Medical Examiner's Office, and the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. No other information is available at this time.
Original press release from March 30, 2025:
The Iowa City Police Department responded to a report of a shooting at 11:57 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025 in the 1800 Block of South Gilbert Street.
Responding officers located a male victim suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead. The victim's name is not being released at this time, pending notification of his next of kin. The incident, which appears to be isolated, remains under investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to contact the police department using the Crime Stoppers information below.
How you can help:
This incident is being actively investigated by the Iowa City Police Department and we are asking the public for assistance. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Iowa City Police Department at 319-356-5275. In addition, anyone in that area with security cameras is asked to review their recordings and contact the Iowa City Police Department with any potential footage or information about this incident.
Iowa City Area Crime Stoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information about this incident that leads to an arrest. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted via the P3 Tips app, online at iccrimestoppers.org, or by phone at 319-358-TIPS (8477). All tips and calls are held in strict confidence and anonymity is guaranteed. Individuals providing information are not required to reveal their identity to collect a reward.
