Tarrence New, a 40-year-old Black man, was found shot to death on the front porch of a residence at 1506 D Ave. NE in Cedar Rapids on the evening of November 12, 2017. Police were called to the scene at 9:44 p.m.; the State Medical Examiner’s Office ruled the gunshot wound the cause of death and classified it a homicide.

Investigators concluded the killing arose from a planned robbery staged as a sting. Authorities identified multiple participants and arrested several suspects. Rayshaun Dion Friend, 29 at the time, was accused of being the shooter and charged with first-degree murder, first-degree robbery, and going armed with intent. Donald Harris faced first-degree murder and robbery charges but later testified that Friend was the only person armed and that Harris took part because of a $1,500 drug debt and fear. James Johnson, 31, was also charged with first-degree murder and first-degree robbery for his role.

Anyone with information about Tarrence New, where he spent time that night, or the people involved is asked to come forward.