October 14th, 2025

DUBUQUE, Iowa – A significant development has emerged in a high-profile attempted murder case in Dubuque County, with a plea hearing and sentencing date now set for Domani Darrell Stephenson, charged in connection with a violent shooting incident earlier this year.

Nineteen-year-old Stephenson of Sherrill, Iowa, faces charges of attempted murder and willful injury causing bodily injury stemming from a May 4, 2025, altercation in the 400 block of Rhomberg Avenue. According to police reports, 29-year-old Excell Moore was assaulted by a group of four men who exited a vehicle, resulting in gunshot wounds to his hand and leg. Moore was treated at a local hospital, and investigators allege Stephenson was among those who beat and shot him.

Initially charged with participation in a riot and unlawful possession of an offensive weapon, Stephenson’s charges were upgraded to include attempted murder after further investigation revealed his possession of a pistol linked to the incident. Three others—Dontrell Harris, 20, Davion Harris, 20, both of Dubuque, and a 17-year-old juvenile—were also arrested, facing charges of participation in a riot and willful injury causing bodily injury. Dontrell Harris has a plea hearing scheduled for next week, while Davion Harris’s trial, set for September 2, 2025, has already passed.

Recent court filings in the case, State of Iowa vs. Stephenson, Domani Darrell (Case: 01311 FECR159575, Dubuque County), indicate significant progress. On October 6, 2025, Judge Michael J. Shubatt issued an order setting a plea hearing for October 13, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. ] On October 9, 2025, Stephenson’s attorney, Todd N. Klapatauskas, filed a waiver of rights and a plea of guilty, alongside a plea agreement. On October 13, 2025, Judge Shubatt accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for October 20, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. [ A court reporter memorandum and certificate, filed by Carrie L. Nauman on the same day, confirms the proceedings.

The upcoming sentencing hearing will determine Stephenson’s fate in this case, which has drawn attention due to its violent nature and the involvement of multiple suspects. The community awaits further details on the plea agreement and potential sentencing outcomes.

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