CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (KWWL)-- A jury has found Dakota Van Patten guilty of murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy.

Van Patten was charged with killing Melody Hoffman in February 2024. Her body was discovered at Lily Lake in Amana.

Lawyers presented their closing arguments Thursday morning. The jury deliberated for just over three hours before reaching a verdict.

First-degree murder in Iowa carries a life sentence without the possibility of parole. Van Patten's sentencing hearing is scheduled for November 14th.

McKinley Louisma has already been convicted and sentenced to prison in connection with this crime.

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