I think one* reason is that LE knows who the killers are so it is less mysterious, though I still do not know what the motive was- weren't these her friends? Well, until they became her murderers. *(not saying that is the only reason)
cbs2iowa.com
described her daughter as a “loving and caring” person who was also “mischievous,” The Gazette reported. 
www.acog.org
www.thegazette.com
I’m furious all over again. What gave these men this idea? Machetes? What in the world did their parents think when they found out what the sons they raised had done to Melody? Infuriating…This article is from 2/22/2024. There have been little MSM updates on Melody's case so as a refresher I'm including some snippets. The article is a good one and you will only have access to 3 articles until you need to subscribe.
I am making this article a word document as it has so much detail I can't link it all.
McKinley Louisma, 23, of Hiawatha, was charged earlier this week with first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in the case. His charges Thursday were upgraded to include first-degree murder.
Family of murdered Marion woman remembers her as loving, confident
Family and friends gathered in Marion Thursday night for a candlelight vigil to commemorate the life of Melody Hoffman, a 20-year-old Marion woman who police say was kidnapped and murdered over the weekend.
A second man, Dakota Lyle Van Patten, 18, of Cedar Rapids, also was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony.
A third man, Logan Kimpton, 18, of Hiawatha, was arrested Thursday on a charge of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. Court documents show he had lived at the same address as Louisma.
Video surveillance from before Van Patten and Louisma met Hoffman that night showed all three men at Walmart in southwest Cedar Rapids, where they bought gloves and two machetes, according to criminal complaints.
Hoffman’s iPhone and Apple Watch indicated she was picked up by Louisma and Van Patten and was in Louisma’s car about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Investigators determined they ended up in Morgan Creek Park, 7212 E Ave. NW near Cedar Rapids, where data from Hoffman’s watch indicated her heartbeat intensified before it either stopped or the watch was deactivated,
This article is from 2/22/2024. There have been little MSM updates on Melody's case so as a refresher I'm including some snippets. The article is a good one and you will only have access to 3 articles until you need to subscribe.
I am making this article a word document as it has so much detail I can't link it all.
McKinley Louisma, 23, of Hiawatha, was charged earlier this week with first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in the case. His charges Thursday were upgraded to include first-degree murder.Family of murdered Marion woman remembers her as loving, confident
Family and friends gathered in Marion Thursday night for a candlelight vigil to commemorate the life of Melody Hoffman, a 20-year-old Marion woman who police say was kidnapped and murdered over the weekend.
A second man, Dakota Lyle Van Patten, 18, of Cedar Rapids, also was charged with first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony.
A third man, Logan Kimpton, 18, of Hiawatha, was arrested Thursday on a charge of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony. Court documents show he had lived at the same address as Louisma.
Video surveillance from before Van Patten and Louisma met Hoffman that night showed all three men at Walmart in southwest Cedar Rapids, where they bought gloves and two machetes, according to criminal complaints.
Hoffman’s iPhone and Apple Watch indicated she was picked up by Louisma and Van Patten and was in Louisma’s car about 11 p.m. Saturday.
Investigators determined they ended up in Morgan Creek Park, 7212 E Ave. NW near Cedar Rapids, where data from Hoffman’s watch indicated her heartbeat intensified before it either stopped or the watch was deactivated,
cbs2iowa.com
Is buying the weapons with intent even if you didn't use them yourself like driving your friends to the bank knowing they're going to rob it? Legally, I mean.Suspect in Melody Hoffman murder pleads not guilty
A third suspect who allegedly helped the two buy the weapons used but "chickened Out" befire
April 4, 2024
One of the three men arrested and charged with killing a Marion woman has pled not guilty.
Dakota Van Patten signed the written plea Wednesday. He is charged with first degree murder and first degree kidnapping, accused of helping his friend, Mckinley Louisma, kill Melody Hoffman.
[....,]
He [Louisma] was set to be arraigned on April 4, but that has been pushed back to April 12 so he can submit a written arraignment and plea.
[.....]
The third suspect, Logan Kimpton, who allegedly helped the two buy the weapons used but "chickened out" before the murder, has also pled not guilty. Kimpton will go to trial July 30th in Linn County.
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
D0031 Other Order KEPROS CHAD A 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
Comments: RE: SUBMISSION OF TRIAL AND HEARING EXHIBITS
D0030 Order Setting Trial KEPROS CHAD A 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
Comments: CMC 04/25/2024 01:30 PM; JT 05/28/2024 09:00 AM
D0029 WRITTEN ARRAIGNMENT AND PLEA OF NOT GUILTY EIMERMANN JILL ANN 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
D0028 Order for Arraignment KEPROS CHAD A 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
Comments: ARRAIGNMENT 04/12/2024 08:30 AM
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
D0023 Other Order KEPROS CHAD A 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
Comments: RE: SUBMISSION OF TRIAL AND HEARING EXHIBITS
D0022 Order Setting Trial KEPROS CHAD A 04/04/2024 04/04/2024 04/04/2024
Comments: CMC HRG 4/25/24 @ 2:30/JT 6/11/24
link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm
