Iowa City Man Convicted in Court Street Shooting Case

Moayed Elsid found guilty of assault and weapons charges, faces up to 5 years in prison.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 3:00pm

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One of two suspects in an Iowa City shooting case has been convicted. A jury found 18-year-old Moayed Elsid of Westgate Street guilty on Friday of a lesser assault charge and possession of a firearm as a felon. Elsid and 17-year-old Nathaniel D. Washington were initially charged with attempted murder and possession of a firearm as a felon after a shooting incident in the parking lot of 618 East Court Street in August 2025 that left several people injured.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing gun violence and disputes among young people in the Iowa City area, with the shooting incident stemming from a previous stabbing incident involving the same suspects. The conviction of Elsid on reduced charges raises questions about plea bargaining and sentencing in such cases.

The details

Police say Elsid and Washington were involved in an altercation in the parking lot of 618 East Court Street just before 3:00 am on August 3rd, 2025 when the two allegedly shot at a woman who was hit in the stomach. Three other shooting victims were also admitted to area hospitals shortly after. The dispute stemmed from a previous stabbing incident last year involving Elsid, Washington, and the woman's juvenile son.

  • The shooting incident occurred on August 3rd, 2025.
  • Elsid was convicted by a jury on April 4th, 2026.
  • Elsid's sentencing is set for June 1st, 2026.

The players

Moayed Elsid

An 18-year-old resident of Westgate Street in Iowa City who was convicted of assault and weapons charges related to the Court Street shooting.

Nathaniel D. Washington

A 17-year-old resident of Savannah Drive in North Liberty who was also charged in the Court Street shooting incident and has a case management conference scheduled for April 17th.

Tion Exum

A then-17-year-old Coralville resident who pleaded guilty to felony burglary charges along with Elsid in a separate incident at West High School.

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What’s next

Washington has a case management conference set for April 17th, and Elsid's sentencing is scheduled for June 1st.

The takeaway

The conviction of Elsid on reduced charges raises questions about plea bargaining and sentencing in such cases, as well as the broader issue of youth violence and the need for more comprehensive interventions to address the root causes.