IA - Melody Hoffman, 20, kidnapped, murdered & dumped near lake, Apple Watch showed moment it stopped tracking her heartbeat, Marion, 18 Feb 2024

[imstilla.grandma]

Three Iowa men were arrested in connection to the kidnapping and killing of a 20-year-old woman whose body was found dumped near a lake, police announced.

McKinley Louisma, 23, and Dakota Lyle Van Patten, 18, were arrested and charged on Wednesday with kidnapping and murder in connection to the death of Louisma’s girlfriend, Melody Hoffman, according to criminal complaints shared by Marion police on Thursday. Van Patten also face an additional charge of conspiracy to commit forcible felony.

According to the documents, Iowa County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of a deceased person near Amana Lily Lake in Iowa County, Iowa on Feb.18 to discover Hoffman with “numerous stab and slash wounds to her body.”

According to the complaints, investigators were able to track Hoffman’s activity through her iPhone and Apple Watch to determine that she was picked up by Louisma and Van Patten the night before her body was discovered.

Investigators said Hoffman was at Morgan Creek Park when her Apple Watch recorded her “heartbeat intensify before it either stopped or the device deactivated,” according to the complaints.

Three Men Charged In Kidnapping And Murder Of Woman Dumped Near Lake

Melody Hoffman’s Apple Watch helped investigators track her location — and showed the moment it stopped tracking her heartbeat.

www.huffpost.com

 

[imstilla.grandma]

New details revealed in updated court documents on Thursday say Louisma and Van Patten were seen on surveillance video buying gloves and two machetes from a Walmart in Cedar Rapids before picking up Hoffman late Saturday night.

The third, unnamed person allegedly told associates of Van Patten and Louisma that the three of them planned to kill someone.

The court documents say after Hoffman’s body was left at Lily Lake, a witness reported Van Patten admitted that he killed someone and when asked who, he responded, “Melody.”

Third person present the night Melody Hoffman died

Updated court documents in the death of Melody Hoffman indicate a third person was present the night she died.

www.kcrg.com

Cops in Iowa investigate after the body of Melody Hoffman was found in an Amana pond on Feb. 18, 2024. McKinley Louisma allegedly strangled his girlfriend Hoffman and then dumped her body, authorities say

Apple Watch detected when woman's heart rate intensified, stopped after strangulation: Sheriff

A man kidnapped his girlfriend and with the help of another person bound her with duct tape and strangled her before dumping her body in an Iowa pond, according to a arrest affidavit.

lawandcrime.com

 

[Niner]

Not finding Van Patten yet.

Summary
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS LOUISMA, MCKINLEY
Case: 06571 FECR153477 (LINN)

Charges Speedy Trial:
Count Original Charge Offense Date Charge Class Adjudication Adjudication Charge Adjudication Class
01 MURDER IN THE 1ST DEGREE 02/17/2024 CLASS A FELONY
02 KIDNAPPING 1ST DEGREE 02/17/2024 CLASS A FELONY
03 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FORCIBLE FELONY 02/17/2024 CLASS C FELONY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm

No hearing dates yet.

 

[Lyanna]

Third person charged in Hoffman murder case

Officials have identified the third person involved in the Melody Hoffman murder case.

www.kcrg.com

3rd person named.

Evil evil thing to have done to someone.

Condolences to those who loved Melody, am so sorry for your loss x

 

[Marysmith]

So sad and so awful to hear that she was begging for her life. What was the motive here?

 

[Niner]

Summary
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153504 (LINN)

Count Original Charge Offense Date Charge Class Adjudication Adjudication Charge Adjudication Class
01 WILLFUL INJURY - CAUSING BODILY INJURY 01/14/2024 CLASS D FELONY
02 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT NON-FORCIBLE FELONY 01/14/2024 CLASS D FELONY

Summary
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN WILLIAM MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153509 (LINN)

Charges Speedy Trial:
Count Original Charge Offense Date Charge Class Adjudication Adjudication Charge Adjudication Class
01 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FORCIBLE FELONY 02/17/2024 CLASS C FELONY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TrialSimpFrame

and no hearing dates for him either.

 

[Niner]

Tried Van Patten again - and put in VanPatten

Summary
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS VAN PATTEN, DAKOTA LYLE
Case: 06571 FECR153500 (LINN)

Charges Speedy Trial:
Count Original Charge Offense Date Charge Class Adjudication Adjudication Charge Adjudication Class
01 MURDER IN THE 1ST DEGREE 02/17/2024 CLASS A FELONY
02 KIDNAPPING 1ST DEGREE 02/17/2024 CLASS A FELONY
03 CONSPIRACY TO COMMIT FORCIBLE FELONY 02/17/2024 CLASS C FELONY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TrialSimpFrame

and no hearing dates yet.

 

[JerseyWasHome2]

!!!!! What is wrong with this world? This is just beyond words, horrible.

 

[JerseyWasHome2]

Why is her case so quiet on MSM and SM?

A candlelight vigil was held, but the article is so sadly brief.

Candlelight vigil for Melody Hoffman set for Thursday night

MARION, Iowa (KWWL) - The community of Marion will be coming together to remember the life of Melody Hoffman on Thursday.

www.kwwl.com

 

[JerseyWasHome2]

DBM, duplicate post somehow…

 

[AmandaSkis]

Those men are garbage, complete garbage.

 

[nao]

Moo... With kimpton I understand the conspiracy charge....but msm that is linked says he wasn't physically involved in murder....why the wilful injury charge?

 

[airportwoman]

I'm from the region and this is the first I heard about this! Lily Lake is exactly what it sounds like from late spring to fall, covered with lily pads.

 

[Lyanna]

Moo... With kimpton I understand the conspiracy charge....but msm that is linked says he wasn't physically involved in murder....why the wilful injury charge?

Was wondering if its because he didn't report it prior/during?
He knew it was going to happen and he didn't do anything to prevent it?

moo I

 

[nao]

Was wondering if its because he didn't report it prior/during?
He knew it was going to happen and he didn't do anything to prevent it?

moo I

I re-read it..those charges were 1/14/24 both class D felonies
New Kimpton charge 2/17/24
Conspiracy class C felony

 

[Marysmith]

I re-read it..those charges were 1/14/24 both class D felonies
New

Ugh.

 

[Niner]

Oops - I forgot I had to go to a tab to see filings....

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS LOUISMA, MCKINLEY
Case: 06571 FECR153144 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0021 Other Order THORNHILL IAN K 02/20/2024 02/20/2024 02/20/2024
Comments: $5,000 CASH OR SURETY

D0020 Other Order KEAST RUSSELL G 02/20/2024 02/20/2024 02/20/2024
Comments: $5,000 CASH ONLY

D0019 Other Report SCHIER JORDAN NOLAN 02/20/2024 02/20/2024 02/20/2024
Comments: PRE-TRIAL ROV

D0018 Other Application SCHIER JORDAN NOLAN 02/20/2024 02/20/2024 02/20/2024
Comments: REVOCATION OF PTR - IN CUSTODY

D0017 MINUTES OF TESTIMONY THORNHILL IAN K 02/18/2024 02/19/2024 02/19/2024

D0015 Order for Arraignment THORNHILL IAN K 02/18/2024 02/19/2024 02/19/2024
Comments: ARRAIGNMENT 02/28/2024 AT 8:30 AM

D0016 Trial Information THORNHILL IAN K 02/18/2024 02/19/2024 02/19/2024

D0014 Motion for Reciprocal Discovery SCHIER JORDAN NOLAN 02/14/2024 02/14/2024 02/14/2024

D0013 Order for Discovery KEAST RUSSELL G 02/12/2024 02/12/2024 02/12/2024

D0012 Appearance LAHAMMER MICHAEL K 02/12/2024 02/12/2024 02/12/2024
Comments: AND REQUEST FOR DISCOVERY

D0011 Order Appointing Counsel at State Expense MCKEEVER KEVIN 02/09/2024 02/09/2024 02/09/2024

D0010 MOTION TO WITHDRAW COUNSEL ELGES JEREMY DAVID 02/08/2024 02/08/2024 02/08/2024

D0009 Order Appointing Counsel at State Expense MCKEEVER KEVIN 02/07/2024 02/07/2024 02/07/2024

D0008 MOTION TO WITHDRAW COUNSEL DAVIS II DOUGLAS QUENTIN 02/07/2024 02/07/2024 02/07/2024

D0007 ORDER APPOINTING PUBLIC DEFENDER JONES CASEY D 02/05/2024 02/05/2024 02/05/2024

D0006 App for Counsel/Financial Statment LOUISMA MCKINLEY 02/05/2024 02/05/2024 02/05/2024

D0004 SURETY BOND POSTED LEDERMAN BAIL BONDS 01/29/2024 01/31/2024 01/31/2024
Comments: $5,000

D0003 COMPUTER GENERATED NOTICE 01/29/2024 01/29/2024 01/29/2024
Comments: RELEASE TO JAIL

D0002 Hearing for Initial Appearance JONES CASEY D 01/27/2024 01/29/2024 01/29/2024
Comments: $5,000 CASH OR SURETY; RELEASED TO DCS UPON POSTING BOND; PH
02/06/2024 AT 8:30 AM; DID NOT REQUEST COUNSEL

D0001 Criminal Complaint SCHIER JORDAN NOLAN 01/27/2024 01/27/2024 01/27/2024
Comments: IN CUSTODY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm

 

[Niner]

Filings
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS VAN PATTEN, DAKOTA LYLE
Case: 06571 FECR153500 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0004 Other Order ANDERSON LARS G 02/26/2024 02/26/2024 02/26/2024
Comments: JUDGE KEPROS ASSIGNED TO CASE

D0003 Media Coordinator's Notice KUCHARSKI ZACHARY J 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024

D0002 Hearing for Initial Appearance KEAST RUSSELL G 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: PRELIM HRG 3/1/24 @ 8:30/$2,500,000 BOND CASH/SURETY - UPON
POSTING BOND DEFT SHALL BE RELEASED TO DCS SUPERVISION

D0001 Criminal Complaint MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: IN CUSTODY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TIndexFrm


Filings - Willful harm & non-forcible felony
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153504 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0006 Hearing for Initial Appearance KEAST RUSSELL G 02/23/2024 02/23/2024 02/23/2024
Comments: $10,000 CASH OR SURETY; RELEASED TO DCS UPON POSTING BOND;
PH 03/04/2024 AT 8:30; DID NOT REQUEST COUNSEL

D0005 Order to Issue Warrant JONES CASEY D 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: $10,000 CASH OR SURETY

D0004 Other Order JONES CASEY D 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: WARRANT PREVIOUSLY FILED SET ASSIDE

D0003 ARREST WARRANT KIMPTON LOGAN WILLIAM MICHAEL 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/23/2024
Comments: LCSO - 02/22/2024

D0002 Order to Issue Warrant JONES CASEY D 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: $5,000 CASH OR SURETY

D0001 Criminal Complaint SCHIER JORDAN NOLAN 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: WARRANT REQUEST


Filings - Forcible felony
Title: STATE OF IOWA VS KIMPTON, LOGAN WILLIAM MICHAEL
Case: 06571 FECR153509 (LINN)
Citation Number:
Docket # Event Filed By Filed Create Date Last Updated Action Date
D0003 Media Coordinator's Notice KUCHARSKI ZACHARY J 02/23/2024 02/23/2024 02/23/2024
Comments: NEWS MEDIA COORDINATOR'S NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR EXPANDED NEWS
MEDIA COVERAGE OF TRIAL AND PROCEEDINGS

D0002 Hearing for Initial Appearance KEAST RUSSELL G 02/23/2024 02/23/2024 02/23/2024
Comments: $10,000 CASH ONLY; RELEASED TO DCS UPON POSTING BOND; PH
03/04/2024 AT 8:30 AM; DID NOT REQUEST COUNSEL

D0001 Criminal Complaint MAYBANKS NICHOLAS GEORGE 02/22/2024 02/22/2024 02/22/2024
Comments: IN CUSTODY

link: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/TSimpSearchResultFrm

 

[Niner]

Looks like they all have different court dates - so will split them up in my notes...

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, February 28th:
*Arraignment Hearing (@ 8:30am CT) - IA - Melody Hoffman (20) kidnapped, murdered & dumped near Amana Lily Lake in Marion, Feb. 18, 2024. - *McKinley Louisma (23) BF arrested & charged (2/22/24) with 1st degree murder, 1st degree kidnapping & conspiracy to commit forcible felony.
According to the documents, Iowa County Sheriff deputies responded to a report of a deceased person near Amana Lily Lake in Iowa County, Iowa on Feb.18 to discover Hoffman with “numerous stab & slash wounds to her body.” According to the complaints, investigators were able to track Hoffman’s activity through her iPhone & Apple Watch to determine that she was picked up by Louisma & Van Patten the night before her body was discovered. Investigators said Hoffman was at Morgan Creek Park when her Apple Watch recorded her “heartbeat intensify before it either stopped or the device deactivated,” according to the complaints. New details revealed in updated court documents on Thursday say Louisma & Van Patten were seen on surveillance video buying gloves & two machetes from a Walmart in Cedar Rapids before picking up Hoffman late Saturday night. The third, unnamed person allegedly told associates of Van Patten & Louisma that the three of them planned to kill someone. Law enforcement soon located & searched Louisma’s vehicle & found the victim’s phone case, her Apple Watch band with blood on it, a towing rope & clothing that matched the clothes Hoffman was wearing. According to the complaints, Louisma allegedly confessed that he was with Van Patten & Hoffman the night of the incident & that they duct taped the victim’s wrist, then forced her into the trunk. Louisma allegedly drove Hoffman from the park to several different locations across Linn County, Iowa. Louisma also allegedly admitted that Hoffman was beaten during the kidnapping & “was begging to be let go,” according to the complaint. Preliminary opinions by state medical examiners determined that Hoffman’s cause of death was from strangulation, the complaints read. Kimpton was also arrested and charged on Thursday with conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in connection to Hoffman’s death. According to Kimpton’s complaint , he allegedly confessed that he was with Louisma & Van Patten when they were purchasing the items.
1/27/24 Docket Update: Louisma: (D0001) Criminal complaint-in custody. 1/29/24: (D0002) Hearing for initial appearance before Judge Casey D. Jones. $5K cash or surety; released to DCS upon posting bond; Pretrial hearing on 2/6/24. (D0003) Computer generated notice-Release to jail. 1/31/24: (D0004) Surety Bond $5K posted to Lederman Bail Bonds.
2/5/24 Docket Update: Louisma: (D0006) Appoint for counsel/financial statement from Louisma. (D0007) Order appointing public defender by Judge Casey Jones. 2/7/24: (D0008) Motion to withdraw counsel by Douglas Quentin Davis II. (D0009) Order appointing counsel at State expense-Kevin McKeever. 2/8/24 (D0010) Motion to withdraw counsel-Jeremy David Elges. 2/9/24: (D0011) Order appointing counsel at State expense-Kevin McKeever. 2/12/24 (D0012) Appearance & request for discovery. (D0013) Order for discovery-Russell G. Keast. 2/14/24: (D0014) Motion for reciprocal discovery by Jordan Nolan Schier. 2/19/24: (D0015) Order for arraignment by Ian K. Thornhill. Arraignment hearing on 2/28/24 @ 8:30am. (D0017) Minutes of testimony. 2/20/24: (D0018) Other application-revocation of PTR-In custody. (D0019) Other report-pretrial ROV by Jordan N. Schier. (D002) Other Order-$5K Cash ONLY filed by Russell G. Keast. (D0021) Other Order-$5K Cash or surety filed by Ian K. Thornhill.
*Dakota Lyle Van Patten (18) – Preliminary hearing on 3/1/24.
*Logan William Michael Kimpton (20) – Preliminary hearing on 3/4/24.