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Man Sentenced To Prison Over Murder Of Melody Hoffman

By Mandy Billings Nov 17, 2025 | 5:10 AM

(Cedar Rapids, IA) — A young man is spending the rest of his days behind bars over the 2024 killing of 20-year-old Melody Hoffman in Iowa County.

Nineteen-year-old Dakota Van Patten was sentenced to life without parole on Friday following his conviction on first-degree murder and other charges.  Prosecutors say Van Patten was with Hoffman’s boyfriend, McKinley Louisma, when they kidnapped her before slashing and strangling her to death and leaving her body at Lily Lake in Amana.

Louisma has also been sentenced to life in prison.

At Western Iowa Today, we strive for reporting accuracy. If you see a mistake or a typo, please let us know by email to ksomnews@westerniowatoday.com
Story Content (c) 2026 Meredith Communications LC - All Rights Reserved.

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