DUBUQUE, Iowa — Latrell Otis Powell Moore, 18, entered a written plea of not guilty to first-degree murder on April 3, 2026, in Iowa District Court for Dubuque County, case 01311 FECR163410 (State of Iowa vs. Powell Moore, Latrell Otis).

Defense attorney Joey T. Hoover filed the plea, which includes a demand for a speedy trial. Judge Monica L. Zrinyi Ackley issued an order of arraignment on April 4, scheduling a pretrial conference for June 1, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. in Courtroom 3104, and a jury trial for June 9, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. in Courtroom 3102.

Powell Moore faces a Class A felony charge in the March 9, 2026, shooting death of 16-year-old Jakory McMillian near West Locust and Foy (or Almond) streets in Dubuque. According to police and court documents, the incident stemmed from a confrontation: McMillian reportedly approached Powell Moore over comments about McMillian’s deceased mother. Witnesses said Powell Moore pulled a handgun, chased McMillian, struck him from behind with the weapon, and then shot him in the head at close range. McMillian was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the shooting, Powell Moore allegedly fled the area. On March 12, 2026, the U.S. Marshals Northern Iowa Fugitive Task Force, assisted by the Cedar Rapids and Marion Police Departments’ Special Response Teams, arrested him without incident in the 1400 block of Meadowview Drive in Marion, Iowa. He was returned to Dubuque County and held in the Dubuque County Jail on $2 million bond.

Case Background and Context

The shooting has highlighted ongoing concerns about youth violence in Dubuque. McMillian’s family, including his father Anton Harris, has spoken publicly about the tragedy, calling for an end to such conflicts and noting that the dispute should never have escalated to lethal violence. First-degree murder in Iowa requires proof of malice aforethought and either premeditation or commission during another forcible felony; it carries a mandatory sentence of life in prison without parole.

The speedy trial demand accelerates the timeline. The upcoming pretrial conference will address discovery, potential motions, and any plea discussions. Powell Moore remains presumed innocent until proven guilty and is being held on a $2,000,000.00 bond.

---