Iowa City man pleads guilty to felony, misdemeanor in 2023 Clock Tower ramp shooting case

An Iowa City man pleaded guilty after police said he shot another person multiple times near the Clock Tower parking ramp last May.

Alexander Voudhivong, 23, is guilty of willful injury causing serious injury and reckless use of a firearm in connection to a shooting on the Saturday night of graduation, May 13, 2023, near downtown Iowa City.

Police said Voudhivong shot a person multiple times with a firearm near the Clock Tower parking ramp, leaving them seriously injured. Voudhivong attempted to change clothes and disguise himself near the parking ramp, according to authorities.

Shell casings also struck a nearby building, causing an estimated $500 in damage. Voudhivong admitted in his plea deal that he fired the weapon and caused minor property damage. He is plea suggests a two-year prison sentence and $855 fine.

Voudhivong's sentencing is scheduled for May 6.

Two brothers supplied weapon, police say

Brothers Narada Poole Jr., 25, and Marquel Poole, 23, are facing multiple felony counts in connection with the shooting.

Authorities believe that the duo provided Voudhivong with the weapon he used.

Police said Marquel Poole, the younger brother, is seen on video obtained by local authorities handing a firearm to Voudhivong. Narada Poole was also allegedly at the scene when the firearm was handed over, who authorities believe owned the gun.

Neither brother was legally allowed to possess a firearm because of past criminal convictions.

Marquel Poole's plea hearing is scheduled for May 6. Narada Poole's jury trial is currently scheduled for June 23.

Older brother barred after conviction on illegal gun purchase

Narada Poole was arrested in Iowa City in 2021 and late last year pled guilty to the fraudulent purchase of firearms, a deferred judgment felony conviction. His June 2023 arrest violated his probation, which was set to last two years.

The conviction stemmed from a pair of search warrants police served at residences associated with Narada Poole, where they found four guns he had purchased as well as marijuana and “other drug paraphernalia.”

Further investigation led police to discover that Narada Poole had lied about drug use in a firearms application. He said that he does not use marijuana or other substances. Police found evidence of marijuana in Narada Poole's possession while he also tested positive for marijuana in a urine test, proving he had lied on his ATF form.

Narada Poole also failed to appear for a court date in December 2021 and was arrested. He posted bail shortly after.

Poole arrested for carrying gun outside bar

Marquel Poole has also been convicted of prior gun-related crimes. He was arrested and later convicted of possessing a loaded Glock 26 handgun while under the influence outside of Pints Bar in downtown Iowa City in 2021.

Marquel Poole was not permitted to carry a gun. He also tested at .099 for blood alcohol content. Poole was only 20 then and was fined for being underage in a bar. He was handed a deferred judgment and sentenced to one-year probation.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached atrhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.