[LINN COUNTY, Iowa] — Dakota Van Patten received a life sentence for the murder of Melody Hoffman .

A judge imposed the mandatory life sentence on Van Patten, who, along with McKinley Louisma , was convicted of kidnapping and killing Hoffman. Her body was discovered at Lily Lake in Amana in February 2024.

Van Patten had requested a new trial following his conviction, but the request was denied.

During the sentencing, Hoffman's parents delivered victim impact statements.

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