IA - Melody Hoffman, 20, kidnapped, murdered & dumped near lake, Apple Watch showed moment it stopped tracking her heartbeat, Marion, 18 Feb 2024

[Niner]

Trial set for two of three men charged with kidnapping, killing Marion woman

Trials for two of the three men accused of killing a Marion woman and dumping her body in the Amanas have now been delayed.

www.kcrg.com

April 26, 2024
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Trials for two of the three men accused of killing a Marion woman and dumping her body in the Amanas have now been delayed.
[.....]
Both Van Patten and Louisma waived their right to a speedy trial, enabling a judge to set a later court date. Van Patten’s trial is now set for August 26th and Louisma’s set to face trial on November 4th.

A third man, William Kimpton, 18, is also charged with conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. Prosecutors say he had bragged to others about a plan to kill someone but told investigators he “chickened out” of taking part in the murder.



A much lonnger article on the case.

Trials reset for two men charged in kidnapping, killing of Marion woman

Trials are reset for two men charged with kidnapping and killing Melody Hoffman, 20, of Marion, on Feb. 17. Dakota Van Patten, 18, of Cedar Rapids, will be tried Aug. 26, and McKinley Louisma, 23, of Hiawatha, will be tried tentatively Nov. 4, in Linn County District Court.

www.thegazette.com

April 26, 2024
CEDAR RAPIDS — Two of the men charged in the kidnapping and killing of 20-year-old Marion woman in February are waiving their right to a speedy trial.

The trial date for Dakota Lyle Van Patten, 18, of Cedar Rapids, is set for Aug. 26 in Linn County District Court.

The trial for McKinley Louisma, 23, of Hiawatha, is tentatively set for Nov. 4. Previously, his trial had been set for May 28.
[.....]
During Louisma’s pretrial hearing, 6th Judicial District Judge Chad Kepros had a lengthy discussion about possible trial dates, with defense attorneys and prosecutors having conflicts.

There was also some concern about starting jury selection on Nov. 5 because it’s Election Day, and no one wanted to infringe on potential jurors having the opportunity to vote.

Jury selection could begin Nov. 4, or possibly the week before on Oct. 31, with testimony starting that same day.
[.....]
Kimpton’s trial is set for July 30.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, May 9th:
*Case Management Hearing (@ 2:30pm CT) - IA - Melody Marie Hoffman (20) kidnapped, murdered & dumped near Amana Lily Lake in Marion, Feb. 18, 2024. - *Logan William Michael Kimpton (18) arrested & charged (2/22/24) & arraigned (3/27/24) with conspiracy to commit forcible felony. $10K CASH only bond; released to DCS upon posting bond. Waived arraignment (3/27/24) & Plead not guilty.
Trial set to begin on 7/30/24.
Case & Court info from 2/18/24 thru 2/22/24 reference post #29 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...er-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-2
2/23/24: #06571-FECR153509: (D0002) Hearing for initial appearance-$10K cash only; released to DCS upon posting bond; Preliminary hearing next on 3/4/24 @ 8:30am. (D0003) Media coordinator's Notice-of request for expanded news.
3/5/24 Docket Update: #509 (D0005) Victim pecuniary damages statement filed by Nicholas George Maybanks. Pending CVAP.
3/13/24 Docket Update: #153509: (D0006) Application for counsel/financial statement filed by Kimpton. (D0007) Order appointing public defender by Casey Jones. 3/15/24: (D0008) Motion to withdraw counsel by Douglas Davis II. (D0009) Order appointing counsel at State expense by Russell Keast. (D0010) Motion to withdraw counsel by Jeffrey Michael Beatty.
3/18/24 Docket Update: #153509: (D0011) Order appointing counsel at State expense. (D0012) Appearance-Multi-case filings only. (D0013) Motion for reciprocal discovery filed by Nicholas G. Maybanks.
3/18/24 Docket update: #509: (D0011) Order appointing counsel at State's expense signed by Judge Chad A. Kepros. (D0012) Appearance by John William Bruzek-multi-case filings only. (D0013) Motion for reciprocal discovery filed by Nicholas Maybanks.
3/26/24 Docket update: #509: (D0014) Trial information filed by Justin A. Lightfoot. (D0015) Order for arraignment. Arraignment hearing on 4/4/24 @ 8:30am for conspiracy to commit forcible felony charge (#509). (D0016) Minutes of testimony.
3/27/24 Docket update: (D0017) Written arraignment & plea of not guilty entered by attorney John W. Bruzek. (D0018) Order setting trial by Judge Ian K. Thornhill. Next case management hearing on 5/9/24 @ 2:30pm & trial is set to begin on 7/30/24 @ 9am. (D0019) Other Order. Submission of trial & hearing exhibits.
4/9/24 Docket update: (D0020) Victim pecuniary damages statement filed by N. Maybanks; $7,709.50 fee. 5/6/24 Docket update: {D0022] Motion to extend deadlines.
*McKinley Louisma (23) – Case management hearing on 8/16/24. Trial set to begin on 10/31/24.
*Dakota Lyle Van Patten (18) – Case management hearing on 6/21/24. Trial set to begin on 8/26/24.

 

[Niner]

Not finding anything on yesterday's hearing - maybe someone in the U.S. can do better. The court site does not give the next hearing date yet - just this update:

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN WILLIAM MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153509 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0023 Motion MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 05/09/2024 05/09/2024 05/09/2024
Comments: FOR SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT OF A JUDGE

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm

 

[Dawnee1004]

Well, she can be reassured that it isn't because we don't care. I will never understand why some cases 'catch fire' with the press and here on the threads and others don't. I think for the threads, specifically, sometimes it's down to which members see the thread and choose to engage with it. Like any good conversation, it's about chemistry of the individual participants, to a degree, and that's very difficult to quantify or replicate. It certainly isn't because any victim of crime is more or less worthy of discussion.

I know, for myself, I'll be following Melody's case through the whole process, though I haven't said much until now on the thread itself, and I'm sure there are plenty of others watching, like I am.

We all want to see justice for Melody.

MOO

I think part of it is that she has already been found and everybody already knows who did it, you know? That is the kind of stuff we're usually trying to figure out.

 

[Niner]

No updates for Kimpton or Van Patten in the court site.

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS LOUISMA, MCKINLEY
Case: 06571 FECR153477 (LINN)
Citation Number:

Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0045 Other Order KEPROS CHAD A 04/30/2024 04/30/2024 04/30/2024
Comments: DEADLINE EXTENDED

D0044 Waiver of Speedy Trial EIMERMANN JILL ANN 04/28/2024 04/29/2024 04/29/2024

D0043 Order Setting Trial KEPROS CHAD A 04/26/2024 04/26/2024 04/26/2024
Comments: CMC 08/16/2024 02:00 PM; JT 10/31/2024 09:00 AM

link: Iowa Courts Online Search - Select Action

 

[Niner]

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN WILLIAM MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153509 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0025 Other Order ANDERSON LARS G 05/10/2024 05/10/2024 05/10/2024
Comments: JUDGE KEPROS ASSIGNED

D0023 Motion MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 05/09/2024 05/09/2024 05/09/2024
Comments: FOR SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT OF A JUDGE

D0024 Other Order SOSALLA ROBERT E 05/09/2024 05/10/2024 05/10/2024
Comments: CMC 11/14/2024 10:00 AM; JT 12/10/2024 09:00 AM

link: Iowa Courts Online Search - Select Action

 

[Niner]

Docket updates:

Van Patten:

Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0040 Order setting hearing KEPROS CHAD A 06/07/2024 06/09/2024 06/09/2024
Comments: HRG 6/21/24 @ 1:30
COPY SENT TO DEFT IN JAIL 6/9/24

D0039 Other Event VANPATTEN DAKOTA LYLE 06/05/2024 06/05/2024 06/05/2024
Comments: LETTER FROM DEFT

D0038 Other Event VANPATTEN DAKOTA LYLE 06/05/2024 06/05/2024 06/05/2024
Comments: LETTER FROM DEFT

D0037 APPEARANCE - MULTI-CASE FILINGS ONLY SLAUGHTER MONICA CHARISSE 05/22/2024 05/22/2024 05/22/2024
Comments: OF APPEARANCE OF CO-COUNSEL


Kimpton:

Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0028 Other Order KEPROS CHAD A 05/29/2024 05/29/2024 05/29/2024
Comments: RE: APPLICATION TO EXCEED FEE LIMITS

D0027 Motion BRUZEK JOHN WILLIAM 05/28/2024 05/28/2024 05/28/2024
Comments: TO EXCEED FEE GUIDLINES

D0026 APPEARANCE - MULTI-CASE FILINGS ONLY SLAUGHTER MONICA CHARISSE 05/22/2024 05/22/2024 05/22/2024
Comments: OF APPEARANCE OF CO-COUNSEL


Louisma:

Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0046 APPEARANCE - MULTI-CASE FILINGS ONLY SLAUGHTER MONICA CHARISSE 05/22/2024 05/22/2024 05/22/2024
Comments: OF APPEARANCE OF CO-COUNSEL

link: Iowa Courts Online Search - Select Action

 

[Niner]

No docket updates for Louisma or Kimpton

Van Patten:

Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0041 Other Order 06/17/2024 06/17/2024 06/17/2024
Comments: HRG RESET 6/21/24 @ 2:30 [from 1:30pm]


link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm

 

[Niner]

Friday, June 21st:
*Case Management Conference Hearing (@ 2:30pm CT) - IA - Melody Marie Hoffman (20) kidnapped, murdered & dumped near Amana Lily Lake (Morgan Creek Park) in Marion, Feb. 18, 2024. - *Dakota Lyle Van Patten (18) arrested (2/21/24), charged (2/22/24) & [written] arraigned (4/3/24) with 1st degree murder (with premeditation), 1st degree kidnapping & conspiracy to commit forcible felony. Plead not guilty. $20K Cash ONLY Bond.
Trial set to begin on 8/26/24.
Judge Chad Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorney Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 4/17/24 reference post #78 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...er-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-4
4/24/24: Docket update: [D0036] Order setting trial. Case management hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm & Jury trial is reset on 8/26/24. Next case management hearing on 4/25/24. Van Patten waived his right to a speedy trial enabling the Judge to set a later court ate. Trial is now set to begin on 8/26/24.
4/25/24 Update: Next case management conference hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm. 5/22/24 Docket update: (D0037) Multi-case filings only by Monica Charisse Slaughter. Appearance of co-counsel.
6/5/24 Docket update: (D0038) Letter from defendant. (D0039) Letter from defendant. 6/9/24: (D0040) Order setting hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm. Copy sent to defendant in jail. 6/17/24 Update: [D0041] Time for next hearing on 6/21/24 @ 2:30pm.
*McKinley Louisma (23) – Case management hearing on 8/16/24 & trial set to begin on 10/31/24.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 11/14/24. Trial set to begin on 12/10/24.

 

[Mother of angels]

Friday, June 21st:
*Case Management Conference Hearing (@ 2:30pm CT) - IA - Melody Marie Hoffman (20) kidnapped, murdered & dumped near Amana Lily Lake (Morgan Creek Park) in Marion, Feb. 18, 2024. - *Dakota Lyle Van Patten (18) arrested (2/21/24), charged (2/22/24) & [written] arraigned (4/3/24) with 1st degree murder (with premeditation), 1st degree kidnapping & conspiracy to commit forcible felony. Plead not guilty. $20K Cash ONLY Bond.
Trial set to begin on 8/26/24.
Judge Chad Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorney Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 4/17/24 reference post #78 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...er-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-4
4/24/24: Docket update: [D0036] Order setting trial. Case management hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm & Jury trial is reset on 8/26/24. Next case management hearing on 4/25/24. Van Patten waived his right to a speedy trial enabling the Judge to set a later court ate. Trial is now set to begin on 8/26/24.
4/25/24 Update: Next case management conference hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm. 5/22/24 Docket update: (D0037) Multi-case filings only by Monica Charisse Slaughter. Appearance of co-counsel.
6/5/24 Docket update: (D0038) Letter from defendant. (D0039) Letter from defendant. 6/9/24: (D0040) Order setting hearing on 6/21/24 @ 1:30pm. Copy sent to defendant in jail. 6/17/24 Update: [D0041] Time for next hearing on 6/21/24 @ 2:30pm.
*McKinley Louisma (23) – Case management hearing on 8/16/24 & trial set to begin on 10/31/24.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 11/14/24. Trial set to begin on 12/10/24.

*Dakota & McKinley's bonds are $2,500,000 cash/Surety. It was raised very early on.

 

[Niner]

*Dakota & McKinley's bonds are $2,500,000 cash/Surety. It was raised very early on.

Okay - I mis-read that! Thanks for the correction!

 

[Niner]

The only update - no next hearing date yet. And no updates on the other 2.

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS VAN PATTEN, DAKOTA LYLE
Case: 06571 FECR153500 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0043 Order KEPROS CHAD A 06/21/2024 06/24/2024 06/24/2024
Comments: JT SHALL PROCEED AS PREVIOUSLY SCHEDULED [which is 8/26/24]

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm