CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - A teen convicted in the death of Melody Hoffman wants a new trial, claiming he had an ineffective counsel.

Dakota Van Patten, 19, was found guilty of first-degree murder, kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in a week-long trial last month.

In a handwritten postcard dated October 19, he requested a motion for a new trial. He wrote, “my counsel was ineffective and argued absolutely no defense on my behalf.”

Van Patten faces life in prison without parole, the automatic penalty for first-degree murder in Iowa.

Van Patten’s sentencing is set for November 14.

The District Court of Linn County has not yet set a date to hear the request.

Melody Hoffman’s body was found the morning of February 18, 2024, at Lily Lake in Amana. She was 20 yea

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