[LINN COUNTY, Iowa] — Dakota Van Patten has been convicted of first-degree murder and kidnapping in the 2024 death of Melody Hoffman.

Hoffman's body was discovered at Lily Lake in Amana, and prosecutors confirmed she died violently. Van Patten is the second person to stand trial for this crime, following McKinley Louisma's conviction in December.

Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks recently discussed the challenges faced in prosecuting the case.

"In this case, we had two defendants to try, and it takes a lot to prepare and get a murder case to a trial," Maybanks said. "The first case against Mr. Louisma , we got that done pretty quick within about six months or so. Then after a couple of delays, we got to Mr. Van Patten's trial."

Van Patten is set to be sentenced in November.

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