MALCOM — On October 3, 2023, at approximately 8:10 am, the Iowa State Patrol responded to the reports of a stranded vehicle located on Interstate 80 at the 187 mile marker, heading westbound (Poweshiek County). During the response, Troopers located a male (identified as Jihad Abdul Malik Gasaway-23 years old) who was attempting to re-start a stalled vehicle. After an initial investigation, Gasaway was temporarily detained and the Troopers located a handgun in Gasaway’s pocket. During the search of the vehicle, the body of an unresponsive black male (later identified as Kemp Xavier Sherrod Harriel-26 years old) was located on the floor and slumped over the passenger seat of the vehicle. Harriel’s body was concealed underneath clothing items and appeared to have suffered gunshot wounds. The Troopers requested medical services and the male was pronounced deceased at the scene. Investigators examined the vehicle and determined the shooting incident had occurred inside passenger area of the vehicle.

Gasaway was transported to the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office and was charged with Abuse of Corpse, a Class C Felony, where he was held at the Poweshiek County Jail on a $50,000 bond.

On October 4, 2023 the Iowa State Medical Examiner’s Office determined Harriel died of two gunshot wounds to the chest and the manner of Harriel’s death was a homicide.

On October 5, 2023 Gasaway was also charged with Murder in the First Degree, a Class A Felony for his involvement in Harriel’s death.  Gasaway remains in custody at the Poweshiek County Jail.

The case remains under investigation by the Poweshiek County Sheriff’s Office, the Iowa State Patrol, and the Division of Criminal Investigation.