Second Arrest Made in 2024 Iowa City Death Investigation

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Iowa City police have made a second arrest in connection with a 2024 death investigation that occurred at the Burlington Street apartment of 26-year-old Tiger Pearson. Pearson is now facing charges of Keeping Premises for the Use of Controlled Substances, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia. Pearson's then-roommate, 68-year-old Marilyn Atkins, previously received a two-day jail sentence in a plea deal last September after initially facing the same charges.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges law enforcement faces in addressing drug-related crimes and their connection to other incidents, including the 2024 death that prompted the initial investigation. It also raises questions about how the justice system handles such cases, particularly in terms of plea bargains and sentencing.

The details

According to police, they responded to Pearson's Burlington Street apartment on November 30th, 2024 to investigate a death. A search of the residence reportedly turned up small amounts of cocaine, marijuana, pipes, a grinder, a scale, and empty drug packaging. If convicted on all counts, Pearson faces a maximum of over three years in jail.

• The death investigation occurred on November 30th, 2024.
• Pearson's then-roommate, Marilyn Atkins, received a two-day jail sentence in a plea deal last September.

What’s next

If convicted, Pearson faces a maximum of over three years in jail.