Cedar Rapids man charged in 2017 murder pleads guilty to lesser charges

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – A man originally charged with first degree murder in the 2017 death of Leland Harris has pleaded guilty to lesser charges.

Lloyd Koger, 44, was also charged with intimidation with a dangerous weapon, conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, felon in possession of a firearm, accessory after the face, and driving while barred, in connection with Harris’ death.

Koger is pleading guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon, felon in possession of a firearm, accessory after the fact, driving while barred.

Koger was the second suspect arrested in the case. James Phillips, 21, was arrested in April 2019. Phillips pleaded guilty earlier this year to second-degree murder, admitting to shooting and killing Harris in November 2017.

According to a criminal complaint, investigators determined Phillips was a passenger in the backseat of a vehicle Harris was also in. They say Phillips was armed with a gun and shot Harris from the backseat, killing him. Phillips then shot Harris two more times, after pushing him out of the vehicle and stole Harris’ wallet and cellphone, according to police. The complaint goes on to say Phillips planned the attack, with the intent to kill Harris.

Investigators later determined Koger was driving the vehicle Harris was shot and killed in. They also say Koger was in possession of a gun and provided it to Phillips with the understanding it would be used to intimidate Harris.

After the shooting, Koger allegedly drove the car out of town, attempted to clean it, and ultimately sold the vehicle. Koger is set to be sentenced in May.