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

[Niner]

Monday, Sept. 22nd:
*Trial continues (Day 4) (@ 9am 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/now 19) 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. $2.5M Cash ONLY/Surety Bond. Linn County
Jury selection began on 9/15/25 & ended 9/16/25. Jury sworn in.
Trial began on 9/17/25.
Judge Chad A. Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorneys Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 9/11/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (9/15-16/25) reference post #232 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-12
9/12/25 Docket update: [D0393] Other Order. Ruing re Motions in Limine by Judge Kepros.
9/17/25 Docket updates: [D0405] State's 2nd amended exhibit list. [D0395 to D0404] Proposed exhibits by State (23.3 to 23.12) by Maybanks. [D0422] Amended trial information by Judge Kepros. [D0424] Motion to amend-trial info by Maybanks. [D042] Order approving amended trial info by Judge Kepros. [D406 to D 0424] State's exhibits (23.13 to 23.13.8, 23.16, 23.18, 23.20, 23.21, 23.22, 23.24 & 23.23 by Maybanks. [D0425] Jury selection.
9/17/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 1: Opening statements by Linn County attorney Nick Maybanks & defense attorney Raya Dimitrova.
State witnesses: Amy Robasse discovered Hoffman’s body. Iowa County Deputy Sheriff Mark James Teidt [arrived on scene to Lily Lake]. Taya Jo Meyer, who knew Louisma & Van Patten through Kimpton. Trial continues on Thursday, 9/18/25.
9/18/25 Docket updates: [D0426] Proposed exhibits (23.18.2) by Maybanks. [D0427] Proposed exhibits filing by Monica Slaughter. [D0429 to D0431] Return of Service on Subpoena. [D0428] Stipulation filing by Maybanks. [D0432 to D0432] Proposed exhibits (23.7.1 & 23.7.2]
9/18/25 Thursday, Trial Day 2: State witnesses: Megan Hoffman, Melody's mother. Brandon Monson, friend of 3 men. Investigator Michael Pope with the Marion Police Dept. His body camera footage was shown during his testimony. The prosecution questioned Pope about Van Patten’s reaction to their initial meeting, with Pope saying, “he asked who said that he was involved in a murder.” Trial continues on Friday 9/19/25.
9/19/25 Docket updates: [D0434] & (23.8.1) filed by Maybanks. [D0435] Exhibit list filed by Maybanks. [D0427 to D0439] Return of service on subpoenas by Maybanks.
9/19/25 Friday, Trial Day 3: State witnesses: Marion PD investigator Michael Pope. Marion PD Sgt. Adam Paulsen. Iowa Div. of Criminal Investigation Special agent Marissa Mussman. Investigator Thomas Peterson. Trial continues on Monday, 9/22/25.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 10/24/25. Trial set to begin on 11/18/25.
*McKinley Louisma (23/now 24) – Trial began on 11/4/24 & ended 11/14/24 with GUILTY on all charges. Sentenced on 12/20/24 to LWOP.

 

[Niner]

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
D0440 EXHIBIT LIST MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 09/22/2025 09/22/2025 09/22/2025
Comments: STATE'S 4TH AMENDED EXHIBIT LIST

D0441 EXHIBIT - PROPOSED MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 09/22/2025 09/22/2025 09/22/2025
Comments: STATE'S EXHIBIT 23.25

D0442 EXHIBIT - PROPOSED MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 09/22/2025 09/22/2025 09/22/2025
Comments: STATE'S EXHIBIT 24.9.1

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

 

[Niner]

DNA evidence discussed in day four of Van Patten murder trial

Monday marked the fourth day of the trial of 19-year-old Dakota Van Patten.

www.kcrg.com

Sept. 23, 2025
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Monday marked the fourth day of the trial of 19-year-old Dakota Van Patten. He is charged with first degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in the death of Melody Hoffman last year.
[.....]
Karlee Schneider, a criminalist with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) who handles DNA investigations, said one glove had Hoffman’s blood on the outside along with DNA inside from three individuals.
[.....]
Abigail Joens, also a criminalist with DCI, processed Louisma’s car. The blue Honda Accord contained a machete on floor on the driver’s seat and a green bag in the trunk with items such as Hoffman’s clothes, phone case, a paracord, gloves, machete packaging and receipts, including the one from the trip to Walmart.
[.....]
Thomas Peterson, an investigator with the Marion Police Department, said he found an image on Louisma’s phone of Hoffman with duct tape on her face and a bloody nose dated February 18, 2024.

and another article:

C.R. man took 200 selfies wearing glasses of woman he is accused of killing

Dakota Van Patten took 200 selfies of himself wearing Melody Hoffman's glasses after she was killed Feb. 18, 2024. An investigator found the photos on his cellphone during the investigation.

www.thegazette.com

 

[Niner]

Tuesday, Sept. 23rd:
*Trial continues (Day 5) (@ 9am 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/now 19) 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. $2.5M Cash ONLY/Surety Bond. Linn County
Jury selection began on 9/15/25 & ended 9/16/25. Jury sworn in.
Trial began on 9/17/25.
Judge Chad A. Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorneys Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 9/11/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (9/15-16/25) & Trial Days 1-3 (9/17-19/25) reference post #241 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-13
9/22/25 Docket updates: [D0442] Proposed exhibit by State's exhibit 24.9.1. [D0441] Proposed exhibit by State's exhibit 23.25. [D0440] State's 4th amended exhibit list all filed by Maybanks.
9/22/25 Monday, Trial Day 4: State witnesses: Thomas Peterson, an investigator with the Marion Police Dept. Karlee Schneider, a criminalist with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) who handles DNA investigations. Abigail Joens, also a criminalist with DCI, processed Louisma’s car. Trial continues on Tuesday, 9/23/25.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 10/24/25. Trial set to begin on 11/18/25.
*McKinley Louisma (23/now 24) – Trial began on 11/4/24 & ended 11/14/24 with GUILTY on all charges. Sentenced on 12/20/24 to LWOP.

 

[Niner]

IA v. Dakota Van Patten: The Machete Murder Plot Trial

UPDATE: Dakota Van Patten is accused of kidnapping and murdering Melody Hoffman with his friend, McKinley Louisma.

www.courttv.com

Sept. 23, 2025
....

TRIAL UPDATES​

DAY 5 – 9/23/25​

• Det. Sgt. Tom Peterson, Marion Police Dept. Lead investigator, testified about interviews, DNA evidence, phone/movement data, investigative processes.
  • DNA on gloves: Melody Hoffman’s blood on the outside; Van Patten’s DNA on the inside.
  • Van Patten’s interview: He denied killing Melody, claimed not to be on his phone much (Peterson doubted this), was not forthcoming but reasons for this could vary.
  • Van Patten brought up Hanna Park, which matched location searches by co-defendant Louisma.
  • No evidence of incriminating searches (machetes, balaclavas) on Van Patten’s phone; only found on Louisma’s.
  • Physical health data from Louisma’s phone mapped movements at parks, important to reconstructing events.
  • Paracord found consistent with commercial lengths—could not definitively link various found pieces.
  • Phone and app connection data (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspot connections) helped corroborate locations/movements.
  • Cross: Emphasized reasonable alternative explanations for non-cooperation, outlined completeness of investigation.
• Investigator Rodney Shifflett, Cedar Rapids Police Dept. Latent print analyst who handled evidence processing after DCI fingerprint systems were unavailable.
  • No usable fingerprints found on duct tape roll, steak knife, or three machetes, likely due to handling with gloves or unsuitable surfaces.
  • Only palm print match found belonged to Trevor [last name unclear], unrelated to this case.
• Dr. Kelly Kruse, Associate State Medical Examiner. Performed Melody Hoffman’s autopsy, detailed cause and manner of death:
  • Cause: Ligature strangulation (supported by ligature marks on front/sides of neck, extensive petechial hemorrhage, and muscle hemorrhage).
    • WATCH: Medical Examiner Details Melody Hoffman’s Cause, Manner of Death
  • Blunt force injuries most significant on her head; defensive wounds on hands.
  • Over thirty sharp force injuries (cuts/stabs), mostly to the back/buttocks/arms—many likely inflicted after death (post-mortem), not reaching vital organs.
  • Consistent with at least three weapons: rope/cord, a serrated knife (for distinct patterned wounds), and a flat-surfaced weapon (for blunt force).
  • Noted trace hCG (pregnancy hormone), indeterminate cause—possibly early pregnancy or recent miscarriage, but no visible pregnancy.
  • No alcohol or drugs found in toxicology.
  • Could not conclusively state number of attackers or determine whether injuries were “personal.”
• Investigator Jeff Holst, Cedar Rapids Police Dept. Forensic digital analyst, analyzed phones of Louisma and Van Patten.
  • Apple Health/location data from Louisma’s phone traced movements closely matching victim’s timeline.
  • Significantly less recoverable data from Van Patten’s Android device—little location or health tracking.
  • No recovered incriminating communications between Van Patten, Louisma, Kimpton, or Hoffman on Van Patten’s phone during critical timeframes; possible deletion.
  • On Louisma’s device: photo of Melody Hoffman in duct tape found in system files, indicating it was screenshotted/cropped and deleted from user view but preserved on the device; camera was opened at both park crime scenes, but could not pinpoint exact time original photo was taken.
• Special Agent Ryan Kedley, Iowa DCI. Assisted with evidence validation, interviewed Louisma, and coordinated with victim’s family.
  • Notified Melody Hoffman’s mother of her death and obtained her IDs for victim’s glasses and phone case (both found at key locations).
  • Confirmed via social media records: Melody Hoffman made plans by Snapchat to meet Louisma late on Feb. 17, 2024.
  • Recovered machetes with DNA: One from Van Patten’s home, one from Louisma/Kimpton home, one from Louisma’s car (last two with Kimpton’s DNA).
  • Interviewed Louisma: Initially denied involvement, gave false accounts about vehicle use, and tried to distance himself from events.

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, Sept. 24th:
*Trial continues (Day 6) (@ 9am 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/now 19) 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. $2.5M Cash ONLY/Surety Bond. Linn County
Jury selection began on 9/15/25 & ended 9/16/25. Jury sworn in.
Trial began on 9/17/25.
Judge Chad A. Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorneys Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 9/11/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (9/15-16/25) & Trial Days 1-4 (9/17-22/25) reference post #244 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-13
9/23/25 Tuesday, Trial Day 5: State witnesses: Marion PD Det. Sgt. Tom Peterson, Lead investigator. Cedar Rapids PD Investigator Rodney Shifflett, Latent print analyst who handled evidence processing after DCI fingerprint systems were unavailable. Dr. Kelly Kruse, Associate State Medical Examiner. Performed Melody Hoffman’s autopsy. Cedar Rapids PD Investigator Jeff Holst, forensic digital analyst, analyzed phones of Louisma & Van Patten. Iowa DCI Special Agent Ryan Kedley. Assisted with evidence validation, interviewed Louisma & coordinated with victim’s family. Trial continues on Wednesday, 9/24/25.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 10/24/25. Trial set to begin on 11/18/25.
*McKinley Louisma (23/now 24) – Trial began on 11/4/24 & ended 11/14/24 with GUILTY on all charges. Sentenced on 12/20/24 to LWOP.

 

[Niner]

IA v. Dakota Van Patten: The Machete Murder Plot Trial

UPDATE: Dakota Van Patten is accused of kidnapping and murdering Melody Hoffman with his friend, McKinley Louisma.

www.courttv.com

Sept. 25, 2025
....
TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 6 – 9/24/25

No live witnesses presented direct testimony, entirety was video evidentiary presentation.
Special Agent Ryan Kedley, Iowa DCI, Major Crimes Unit, testified (via pre-recorded video interview mostly played for the jury) about his investigation and the recorded
interview with the defendant. In the video, the defendant vehemently denied committing the crime.
Defendant’s colloquy occurred in-court regarding the defendant’s right to testify; the defendant formally declined to testify in his own defense.
It was announced that no defense witnesses will be presented.

 

[Niner]

Thursday, Sept. 25th:
*Trial continues (Day 7) (@ 9am 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/now 19) 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. $2.5M Cash ONLY/Surety Bond. Linn County
Jury selection began on 9/15/25 & ended 9/16/25. Jury sworn in.
Trial began on 9/17/25.
Judge Chad A. Kepros presiding. Prosecutor Nicholas George Maybanks. Defense attorneys Erin Michael Carr & Raya Dimitrova.
Case & court info from 1/27/24 thru 9/11/25 & Jury Selection Days 1-2 (9/15-16/25) & Trial Days 1-5 (9/17-23/25) reference post #246 here:
https://www.websleuths.com/forums/t...r-heartbeat-marion-18-feb-2024.705371/page-13
9/24/25 Wednesday, Trial Day 6: State witnesses: No live witnesses presented direct testimony, entirety was video evidentiary presentation.
Special Agent Ryan Kedley, Iowa DCI, Major Crimes Unit. interview with the defendant. In the video in denied committing the crime.
Defense will present no witnesses. Trial continues on Thursday, 9/25/25.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (18/now 19) – Case management hearing on 10/24/25. Trial set to begin on 11/18/25.
*McKinley Louisma (23/now 24) – Trial began on 11/4/24 & ended 11/14/24 with GUILTY on all charges. Sentenced on 12/20/24 to LWOP.

 

[Niner]

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
D0443 EXHIBIT - PROPOSED MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 09/24/2025 09/24/2025 09/24/2025
Comments: 23.18.3

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