Suspect in Old Capitol Town Center Assault Given Four-Day Jail Sentence

The 58-year-old transient was convicted for kicking a man already being assaulted by another suspect.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 4:23pm

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A suspect in an assault with injury at the Old Capitol Town Center in Iowa City has been sentenced to less than 100 hours in jail. David Murray, a 58-year-old transient, was convicted of attacking a man who was already being assaulted by 53-year-old Shelter House resident Charles Henderson. Murray reportedly told police he decided to kick the victim because he knew the victim had previously been accused of sexual assault.

Why it matters

This case highlights ongoing issues with homelessness, mental health, and violence in the Old Capitol Town Center area of Iowa City, which has seen an increase in reported assaults and altercations in recent years.

The details

On the morning of January 20, 2025, police say Murray attacked a man who was already being assaulted by Henderson. Henderson had the victim in a headlock and was punching him in the face when Murray allegedly kicked the man in the head. Both Murray and Henderson were charged with Assault Causing Bodily Injury, but Henderson pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of Disorderly Conduct in February 2025 and was sentenced to one day in jail.

  • The incident occurred on the morning of January 20, 2025.
  • Henderson pleaded guilty and was sentenced in February 2025.
  • Murray was sentenced last month by Judge Brandon Schrock.

The players

David Murray

A 58-year-old transient who was convicted of attacking a man who was already being assaulted by another suspect.

Charles Henderson

A 53-year-old Shelter House resident who was charged with assaulting the victim before Murray allegedly kicked him.

Judge Brandon Schrock

The judge who sentenced Murray to four days in jail last month.

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The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing challenges of addressing homelessness, mental health issues, and violence in public spaces like the Old Capitol Town Center in Iowa City, where tensions and altercations between transient individuals and other community members have become an increasing concern for local authorities and residents.