CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (Court TV) — An Iowa man who helped a friend kidnap and murder his girlfriend has been sentenced to life in prison after being convicted on all charges.
Dakota Van Patten appears in court during his murder trial Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. (Court TV)
Dakota Van Patten was found guilty of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in the death of 20-year-old Melody Hoffman. Her body was found on Feb. 18, 2024, by Lily Lake in Amana. A criminal complaint said she had been strangled and had numerous stab and slash wounds.
At his sentencing on Nov. 14, 2025, Judge Chad Kepros imposed a mandatory life sentence without possibility of parole for the murder conviction. The kidnapping conviction will run consecutively to the murder sentence due to “an entirely separate cruelty and torture,” and the conspiracy count will run concurrently. Van Patten also received up to 10 years in prison for the conspiracy count, though that term will be concurrent with his life term. He is not eligible for parole.
MORE | Dakota Van Patten sentenced for machete murder of Melody Hoffman
At the time of her death, Hoffman was dating McKinley Louisma, who was friends with Van Patten. Investigators were able to determine the men were with Hoffman when she died by tracking activity on her iPhone and Apple Watch.
When confronted by investigators, Louisma admitted to kidnapping Hoffman with Van Patten and physically beating her. Video surveillance footage from a local Walmart allegedly showed the two men purchasing gloves and two machetes before they took Hoffman. Video surveillance footage from a convenience store showed them purchasing cigars after Hoffman’s body had been left at the lake.
Investigators said Hoffman’s glasses and a towing rope believed to have been used to kill Hoffman were found at Van Patten’s home.
A senior portrait taken of Melody Hoffman in 2021. (Court TV)
Louisma was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison last year, according to KCRG. During his trial, the jury was shown a photo from Louisma’s cellphone that showed Hoffman crying with duct tape over her mouth and a bloody nose, reported The Gazette. An investigator testified that a selfie of Van Patten wearing Hoffman’s glasses that night was also recovered.
A medical examiner testified at both trials that it was possible that Hoffman could’ve been pregnant or recently had a miscarriage at the time of her death.
A third man, Logan Kimpton, is facing a charge of conspiracy to commit forcible felony for allegedly purchasing gloves and a machete with Louisma and Van Patten. He will be tried separately at a later date.
TRIAL UPDATES
DAY 7 -9/25/25
- State’s closing argument delivered by Linn County Attorney Nicholas G. Maybanks
- Argues Dakota Van Patten and McKinley Louisma were partners who planned, carried out, and celebrated the kidnapping and murder of Melody Hoffman.
- The prosecution contends that this was not a crime one person could commit alone – it required the cooperation and consent of both defendants.
- Rejects the defense theory that Van Patten was an innocent bystander, calling it “fiction” and “ridiculous.”
- Logan Kimpton was originally supposed to help but backed out; Van Patten stepped in willingly.
- Argues Van Patten and Louisma mutilated Melody’s body after strangling her and left her facedown before going to a convenience store to buy cigars.
- Van Patten took 222 selfies over 29.5 hours following the murder, including one of him wearing his “souvenir” – Melody’s glasses.
- States say when he was arrested, Van Patten’s first question was, “Who put my name in that?” Did not ask what happened, who was killed, or who they were talking about. Asked about what was found on his phone when transported to sheriff’s office.
- Detailed the timeline of events and physical evidence that tied Van Patten to Melody’s murder, including his DNA inside a glove containing her blood and duct tape.
- Defense’s closing argument delivered by Erin Carr
- Argues no one knows what Van Patten was doing during the kidnapping and murder, suggesting he was a bystander to Louisma’s actions.
- Emphasized a lack of connection between Melody and Van Patten, saying her murder was “personal” and “brutal,” and Van Patten had no reason to kill Melody.
- Argues Van Patten and Louisma were not lifelong friends, just “two kids who barely knew each other.”
- Suggests the selfies with Melody’s glasses make more sense if Van Patten didn’t know they were hers. Argues it wouldn’t make sense to brutally murder someone and then “publish it to the entire world.”
- Argues Van Patten’s traumatic upbringing explains why he didn’t trust officers during his interview.
- Argues that Louisma acted alone to kill Melody, and the State only proved Van Patten’s presence, not his participation.
- Claims the only evidence against Van Patten is that he wasn’t forthcoming with officers.
- State’s rebuttal delivered by Linn County Attorney Nicholas G. Maybanks
- Prosecutor Nicholas Maybanks refutes defense claims that Van Patten was “just present” and did not participate in the crimes.
- Argues that there is no evidence showing Van Patten was threatened or reluctant; challenges the defense’s alternate scenarios as unsupported.
- Points to digital evidence confirming that Van Patten confessed at a specific time, contradicting defense arguments relying on faulty memory.
- Emphasizes the reliability of physical and digital evidence, including DNA on duct tape used to restrain the victim and rope from Van Patten’s own basement.
- Criticizes the defense’s speculation that Van Patten’s DNA might have ended up on items innocently, asserting that the evidence directly ties him to the crime scene.
- Highlights Van Patten’s possession of the victim’s glasses as a “trophy,” questioning why an innocent bystander would take such an item.
- Addresses motive: says Van Patten had reasons to help his friend and avoid testimony by the victim.
- Asserts that Van Patten concealed his presence from law enforcement and took deliberate criminal actions.
- Acknowledges the defense’s portrayal of Van Patten’s difficult background but says the trial is about the murder, not personal hardship.
- Summarizes that the evidence demonstrates Van Patten’s direct involvement in murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy.
- Jury receives final instructions before deliberating and later returning with a unanimous verdict:
- Guilty of first-degree murder
- Guilty of first-degree kidnapping
- Guilty of conspiracy to commit a forcible felony
DAY 6 – 9/24/25
- Special Agent Ryan Kedley, Iowa DCI, Major Crimes Unit, testified (via pre-recorded video interview) 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.
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).
- 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.”
- MORE: Melody Hoffman may have been pregnant when killed: medical examiner
- 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.
DAY 4 – 9/22/25
- Investigator Michael Pope, Marion Police Department Testified about his granular review of surveillance footage and evidence mapping in the investigation, and about the behavior and possessions of defendant Dakota Van Patten.
- Detailed vehicle movements, including blue Honda Accord tied to case.
- Linked items seen in traffic cameras to evidence found (bag in trunk, cell phone).
- Emphasized Van Patten never claimed he was present but uninvolved.
- Camouflage backpack contained a holster and ammo, but no gun found.
- Melody Hoffman’s glasses were found in Van Patten’s possession; cigars were not.
- Abigail Jones, Iowa DCI Criminalistics Laboratory – Drug Identification & Crime Scene Response Team Testified about processing Melody Hoffman’s body and McKinley Louisma’s blue Honda Accord for forensic evidence.
- Identified blood-like stains on exterior trunk lid; chemical tests were positive for blood.
- Cataloged and tested 10 items from vehicle, including torn/cut clothing with duct tape and blood.
- Collected gloves, various receipts, a machete (with packaging), phone case, and paracord.
- Highlighted presence of blood on gloves and knife packaging.
- Karlee Schneider, Criminalist, Iowa DCI, DNA Section Testified regarding DNA findings from gloves, clothing, duct tape, knives, and sexual assault kit.
- Blood on outside of glove matched Melody Hoffman; blood inside glove matched Dakota Van Patten.
- Complex DNA mixtures suggested possible involvement of multiple individuals.
- Multiple areas of Melody’s shirt and duct tape contained her DNA and that of potential unknown contributors.
- Hairs collected matched Melody’s DNA, likely actively pulled.
- Paracord knots/stains consistently matched Melody’s DNA; mixtures indicated other unnamed contributors.
- Knife handle and blade swabs: blood and DNA matching Melody found (plus unknowns).
- No foreign DNA found in Melody’s fingernail scrapings.
- Sexual assault kit: Only minimal sperm detected in oral sample, but no foreign DNA; anal swab indicated seminal fluid but no sperm or foreign DNA; vaginal swab negative for fluids/foreign DNA.
- Swabs from Morgan Creek Park area did not link to anyone involved.
- Swabs from Melody’s glasses matched Dakota Van Patten’s DNA as major contributor.
- DNA on inside of duct tape roll included both Melody Hoffman and Dakota Van Patten.
- Could not determine exact timing or method of deposit due to DNA persistence.
- Det. Sgt. Tom Peterson, Marion Police Department Testified about digital forensic examination of cell phones, social media, location, and physical evidence, plus connections between suspects and timeline reconstruction.
- Used Cellebrite to extract and analyze Louisma’s phone:
- Found image of Melody Hoffman with duct tape over her face, nose bloody, timestamped Feb 18.
- Photos of Melody’s glasses on Louisma’s phone.
- Numerous searches for masks, balaclavas, and gloves (with timestamps around Walmart shopping time).
- Louisma’s phone was connected to Van Patten’s hotspot on Feb 17–18.
- Cell phone map activity pointed to key locations (Morgan Creek Park, Hanna Park).
- Squad car dashcam captured Louisma’s vehicle in area at critical times; matched vehicle make/model.
- Machete model consistent across Van Patten’s, Louisma’s, and Kimpton’s possessions; bruising on Melody matched machete handle grip.
- Paracord found in Van Patten’s living area and Louisma’s trunk was nearly manufacturer original length; consistent evidence between crime scene and suspects’ residences.
- Van Patten’s phone: Contains ~200 selfies of him wearing Melody’s glasses over ~29 hours post-crime.
- Photos also included Melody’s phone passcode (“5917”) and images of BB gun similar to one found.
- Snapchat clips show Van Patten wearing glasses, holding BB gun, and smoking.No relevant DNA or stains on some items (pants, certain knives/gloves), per analysis.
DAY 3 – 9/19/25
- Investigator Michael Pope, Marion Police Department, testified about reviewing surveillance videos related to the movement of Louisma’s vehicle and timeline reconstruction.
- Reviewed videos provided by Cedar Rapids Police, focusing on relevant timeframes using Life360 app info.
- Traced the route and locations of the blue Honda Accord, confirming its path toward Marion and intersections including Colin Road, Sea Avenue, Lindel Mall, Beverly Road, Edgewood Road and Wilson Boulevard.
- Identified two occupants in the Honda at Kwik Star, confirming their activity through timestamped footage.
- Images and surveillance videos document vehicle movements and individuals present, but found no evidence of distress or weapon possession by Van Patten or Louisma inside the Kwik Star.
- Noted Louisma placing a green bag into the trunk at Kwik Star.
- Patrol Sgt. Adam Pulson, Marion Police Department, testified about forensic analysis of Melody Hoffman’s cell phone, connections to WiFi/hotspot, and surveillance at Kwik Star.
- Conducted forensic downloads, confirming Melody’s iPhone connected to OnePlus Nord 200 hotspot (Van Patten’s phone) until 2:52 a.m. on Feb 18.
- Verified Van Patten provided the WiFi password, but did not have his own phone on him.
- Melodys phone only auto-connected when in range; last auto-connection was to Van Patten’s device.
- Surveillance showed Van Patten and Louisma purchasing cigarettes & cigars at Kwik Star around 3:17 a.m., no evidence of distress/weapons.
- Apple Health Data indicated Melody Hoffman’s heart rate spiked around midnight, correlating with recorded noise—suggests acute stress or incident at that time.
- Special Agent Marissa Mussmann, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigations, testified about digital evidence processing, social media investigation, and linking communications between relevant parties.
- Arrived to help post-incident (Feb 21), focused on digital evidence and social media for Melody Hoffman, McKinley Louisma, and Dakota Van Patten.
Investigated threatening texts sent to Melody via Text Now (temporary, hard to trace).
Confirmed Van Patten and Hoffman were not Facebook friends; no direct digital contact; Louisma had searched Hoffman’s profile several times but not communicated directly via Messenger.
Found Van Patten had unadded Louisma as a friend on Feb 12, but continued digital contact existed.
- Arrived to help post-incident (Feb 21), focused on digital evidence and social media for Melody Hoffman, McKinley Louisma, and Dakota Van Patten.
- Sgt. Tom Peterson, Marion Police Department, testified about key physical and digital discoveries (vehicle, phones, cell tower data, interviews).
- Located Louisma’s vehicle at 2:00 a.m. on Feb 19, noted a speck of blood on the trunk.
- Interviewed several witnesses (Patricia Baskim, Taya Jomeyer, Brandon, Shante).
- Brandon had direct knowledge and reported being present when a plan to kill was discussed.
- Taya reported statements about Dakota and Ken; no direct knowledge herself.
- Reviewed cell tower data: Tracked phones of Hoffman, Van Patten, Louisma, and Kimpton, aligning movement with incident locations and timelines.
- Hoffman and Van Patten’s phones showed events and movements matching reported travel (from Hoffman’s residence, parks, Lily Pond, Kwik Star).
- All cell data consistent with accounts of picking up Hoffman, trip sequences, and times corroborating the case narrative.
- Noted a jailhouse phone call between Van Patten and Shante discussing searching for photos of them together.
- Cell site connections and data sessions placed all four phones (Hoffman, Van Patten, Louisma, Kimpton) together at crucial times/locations, with movements matching witness testimony and surveillance.
DAY 2 – 9/18/25
- Brandon Monsonerandon, Taya Jomeyer’s roommate, testified about his living situation with Taya and knowledge of various parties involved in the case, including hearing a murder plan discussed.
- Lived with Taya from Feb 14 to early March. Knew the defendant (Dakota Van Patten), Logan, and McKinley (Ken) through social connections.
- Heard Logan discuss plans with Dakota and McKinley to murder a girl over owed money; claim was unclear if serious since Logan had made such remarks before.
- Went to sleep at Taya’s after the conversation; didn’t recall seeing Dakota come in later that night.
- Memory issues due to past abuse; gaps in recollection.
- On cross, confirmed Taya was present during the alleged murder plan conversation.
- Nakia Svoboda, ex-girlfriend of McKinley Louisma (Ken), testified about a tumultuous relationship with McKinley (“Ken”), their breakups, jealousy involving the victim, and his odd behavior the night of/in the hours after Melody’s disappearance.
- They had an on-off relationship, volatile with arguments and history of domestic violence.
- Nakia was pregnant at the time of incident, believed Ken was the father.
- Discovered Ken’s continued contact and intimacy with Melody (the victim), causing conflict; she demanded he choose.
- On Feb 17, Ken left home supposedly to see his parents, was “really off,” wore boots/workwear not typical for leisure, and his phone’s location tracking was later turned off.
- Ken returned at 4am (Feb 18), smelled of smoke, was withdrawn and nervous, and left his phone behind (police later retrieved).
- Flatly denied involvement by Dakota Van Patten in any love triangle.
- Megan Hoffman, mother of victim Melody Hoffman, detailed Melody’s intellectual disabilities, trusting nature, described Melody’s relationship with defendant and co-defendants, and events/tracking leading up to Melody’s disappearance and ultimate death.
- MORE: Melody Hoffman’s mother details daughter’s last hours
- Melody (20) had mild intellectual disability, functioned like a 14–15 year old, was very trusting and susceptible.
- Dated McKinley (“Ken”), he was her only boyfriend, the relationship began in Oct. 2023, became rocky by December, and they broke up on Jan. 7, 2024.
- After separation, Melody received a threatening anonymous text (never traced).
- On Feb 17, Melody left home at 11:27pm, tracked by Life360 and Blink camera, was later seen on video singing in a car.
- Tracking showed Melody’s phone at Morgan Creek Park for nearly an hour, then returning to Marion.
- After a 3:13am crash alert, Melody’s phone was found shattered and missing its case, but Melody did not come home.
- Melody’s glasses, phone case, and broken necklace with her sister’s ashes were later found; she was ultimately found murdered.
- Did not know Dakota Van Patten or Logan; no knowledge of why they or McKinley would want to harm Melody.
- Investigator Michael Pope, Marion Police Dept., led investigation into Melody Hoffman’s disappearance and death; described crime scene evidence and subsequent search of suspects’ residence.
- Used Life360/location data to search parks; found yellow flaky substance (later determined to be vomit) and amber droplets near where Melody’s phone pinged.
- DNA analysis of amber drops was inconclusive.
- Searched Hummingbird Lane trailer (suspects’ residence); found inoperable cell phones, two phones in Nakia’s purse, a machete in Logan’s closet, and Black & Mild cigarillos matching those just purchased by McKinley.
- No signs of blood or biological material in bathroom (after being told McKinley took a post-incident shower).
- Careful collection and photographic documentation of physical evidence at all sites.
DAY 1 – 9/17/25
- The prosecution told the jury the murder of Melody Hoffam was premeditated.
- Hoffman was beaten, tied, and mutilated, and her killers, McKinley Louisma and Dakota Van Patten, celebrated after the murder.
- Prosecutors said Hoffman had an intellectual disability and described her as a 15-year-old living in an adult body.
- The suspects were captured on Walmart surveillance video purchasing two machetes and gloves.
- Police found a “motherload” of evidence in the vehicle, including paracord, tape, and DNA evidence.
- Van Patten took a “souvenir” from the murder scene, Hoffman’s glasses, which were later found in the defendant’s home.
- Van Patten’s defense told the jury that his presence doesn’t mean he participated in the crime.
- Argued Van Patten had no reason to murder Hoffman and the state will not be able to prove motive.
- WATCH: Dakota Van Patten On Trial in Murder of Melody Hoffman
- State’s Witness #1 – Amy Robasse, Located Hoffman’s body
- At Lily Lake, the morning of February 18th, for meditation.
- An elderly couple looked distressed and asked her for her assistance. The couple walked the trail and thought there was either a dead animal or a mannequin near the pond’s bank.
- Hoffman was lying face down with marks on her back. She was only clothed in underwear, which was not in the proper position.
- Contacted 911
- State’s Witness #2 – Deputy Sheriff Mark Titdt, Iowa County Sheriff’s Office
- First responding officer
- Observation of Hoffman’s body – lying face down, bra above her shoulders, and underwear below her buttocks. No signs of life.
- Time of death – 10:37 a.m.
- Hoffman’s body was rolled over, and ligature marks were found around her neck, ankles, and wrists.
- Silver-gold chain found near the body.
- A pink cloth located between Hoffman’s arm and body
- Hoffman was wearing her class ring, which helped identify her.
- Defensive wounds to the right hand
- State’s Witness #3 – Detective Sgt. Corey Groute, Linn County Sheriff’s Office
- Search for additional evidence at Morgan Park – the first location where Hoffman was attacked.
- Recovered two Walmart receipts
- Retrieved surveillance video from Walmart that captured Van Patten, McKinley and Logan. In the video, Van Patten is seen holding two machetes.
- Testified about video obtained from a gas station, capturing McKinley’s vehicle during the early morning hours after the murder.
- WATCH: Surveillance Footage Shows Timeline in Murder of Melody Hoffman
- State’s Witness #4 – Trevor Weis, Cook at Lebowski’s Bar
- Van Patten was in the car when Logan picked him up from work
- Van Patten sent him a friend request – “Kota Smith.”
- State’s Witness #5 – Detective Sgt. Yon Able, Linn County Sheriff’s Office
- Verified the items purchased at Walmart
- Machete found under Van Patten’s brother’s bed.
- State’s Witness #6 – Taya Jomeyer, Van Patten Acquaintance
- Van Patten contacted her and wanted to talk following the murder
- He told Jomeyer that he killed someone
- Van Patten appeared to be scared
- Unsure of the timing, whether it was before or after the date of the murder
- WATCH: Witness: Van Patten Said Murder ‘Had to Be Done’
Parts of this story were reported by a journalist and converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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