Cedar Rapids man sentenced to 55 years for attempted murder, body found in car

Jihad Abdul Malik Gasaway, a 24-year-old from Cedar Rapids, was sentenced to up to 55 years in prison for attempted murder and other charges related to the death of 26-year-old Kemp Xavier Sherrod Harriel. The incident occurred in October 2023 when Iowa State Patrol troopers discovered Harriel's body concealed in Gasaway's car during a traffic stop. Gasaway, who initially faced first-degree murder charges, pleaded guilty to several lesser charges, admitting to having shot Harriel but claiming he was unaware of his death until discovered by police. The judge ordered that the sentences run consecutively, requiring Gasaway to serve a minimum of 27.5 years before being eligible for parole. Additionally, he has been mandated to pay restitution to Harriel's estate. The case has drawn attention due to the bizarre circumstances surrounding the murder and the subsequent concealment of the victim's body.