Whoever shot and killed Johnqwez Deanthony Lewis on March 25 has not been found, but Marshalltown Police Department chief Mike Tupper is confident it is only a matter of time.

“This is our number one investigation,” he said. “It is active all the time. It is our most important criminal investigation on our plate.”

Lewis, 22, of Marshalltown, died on the scene of the shooting. Another man, Devonte Allen Brookes, 27, of Marshalltown, was injured.

Tupper said the police department has considerable resources devoted to the case.

“We want to resolve this as quickly as we can but it is very important we get this right,” he said. “It takes time.”

Tupper, who has been involved in a number of murder investigations in his 28 years in law enforcement, said it is not unusual for an investigation to take this long.

“Some cases take longer,” he said.

Department personnel are still talking to people regarding the shooting. Tupper believes some people in town have some information and he is encouraging them to come forward.

The police chief said there is no evidence to suggest the public is at risk as a result of the shooting.

“I am asking them to reach out to us,” Tupper said. “People can call anonymously with tips.”

Anyone with information about this incident should contact the Marshalltown Police Department at 641-754-5725. Additionally, tips may be submitted by calling 641-753-1234, or via text messaging by texting the word “marshall” followed by the tip to CRIMES (274637), or online at www.marshallcountycs.com.

All tips are completely anonymous and could earn a reward of up to $1,000 if the tip results in an arrest.