For Immediate Release
No Charges Filed in Coralville Use of Force Incident
October 31, 2025 (JOHNSON COUNTY, IA) – Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith announced that there will be no charges filed stemming from an incident that occurred in Coralville on June 11, 2025, that led to the death of Mason Edwards, 27, of Coralville. Zimmermann Smith said, “After a thorough investigation and review, there is not enough evidence to show that the force was not justified, nor to rebut the legal presumption pursuant to Iowa Code 704.2A that the deadly force used was necessary to avoid injury of risk to her life or safety or the safety of others. Therefore, no charges will be filed at this time.”
At approximately 11:54 p.m. on June 11, 2025, Michelle Jenkins-Robertson, 28, of 3701 2nd Street, called 911. She reported that she had fired shots at Edwards in her home after he forced his way into the residence and assaulted her.
Upon arrival, officers located Edwards in the threshold of the bedroom. He had sustained two gunshot wounds to the torso area. Despite the efforts of officers and emergency medical personnel, Edwards was pronounced dead at the scene. Jenkins-Robertson was present when officers arrived.
The investigation determined that Edwards and Jenkins-Robertson were in an intermittent relationship. They were not living together on the date of the incident. Edwards called Jenkins-Robertson shortly before he showed up that night. A few minutes later, Edwards arrived and forced his way inside through the front door. Edwards appeared to be intoxicated.
Edwards began arguing with Jenkins-Robertson inside the residence. Edwards attacked Jenkins-Robertson. He punched her repeatedly, grabbed her hair and eventually placed her in a headlock. She was able to free herself from him and retrieve a gun she had placed near her bed. Jenkins-Robertson pointed the gun at Edwards and ordered him to get out. Edwards refused to leave and continued to come towards her. Fearing injury or death, Jenkins-Robertson fired two shots. She then called 911 immediately.
Jenkins-Robertson reported that she was keeping the gun near her bed due to Edwards’ escalating behavior in the days and weeks before. Officers noted that Jenkins-Robertson had pain and swelling on her head from where Edwards had hit her.
Jenkins-Robertson reported a history of domestic violence. Police records show that there were three prior calls for service to Johnson County dispatch involving Edwards and Jenkins-Robertson. April 12, 2025, a caller made a noise complaint reporting that they heard yelling and it sounded like someone was kicking in the door. On April 4, 2024, there was a call regarding Jenkins-Robertson being locked out of the trailer. When officers arrived the two agreed to separate for the night. On September 23, 2021, there was a domestic call at 718 Carriage Hill in Iowa City where Edwards and Jenkins-Robinson previously lived. The reporting party heard screaming. Officers responded and determined that no one was injured.
An autopsy was completed and determined that the cause of death to Edwards was gunshot wounds to the trunk. Edwards’ injuries were consistent with what was reported by Jenkins-Robertson. Toxicology tests indicated that Edwards’ blood alcohol concentration was .230.
The Coralville Police Department would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Iowa Department of Public Safety’s Division of Criminal Investigation (Major Crimes Unit), the Iowa City Police Department, the Johnson County Ambulance Service, the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office, the Johnson County Attorney’s Office, the Johnson County Medical Examiner, the Johnson County Joint Emergency Communications Center, and the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics’ Decedent Care Center for their respective roles in this investigation.
Domestic violence is a serious and potentially lethal issue. If you are experiencing domestic violence or need information on how to support someone who is, please call the local domestic violence hotline at 1-800-373-1043. All services are free and confidential.
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