(Cass Co) Today, a Cass County woman was sentenced to prison for Murder in the 2nd Degree for the death of 11-week-old Luka Hodges while at her daycare in Massena on October 7, 2019.
On May 9, a Pottawattamie County Jury found Alison Dorsey guilty of Count I – Murder in the 2nd Degree, and Count II – Child Endangerment Resulting in Death.
The courtroom was packed full of supporters today. The north half of the courtroom donning yellow t-shirts in support of Luka Hodges and his family. The south half of the courtroom was there in support of Alison Dorsey.
Prior to the sentencing, Dorsey’s attorney Trever Hook submitted a motion to for a new trial claiming the change of venue was improper and evidence submitted at trial regarding the manner of death being undetermined should warrant a new trial. Judge Amy Zacharias said, after an independent review of the facts, the motion for a new trial was denied.
The court heard statements from Luka Hodges’ family. The first to take the stand was Luka’s mother Kaitlin.
Kailtin called Dorsey a, “Heartless, careless, horrible human being that ruined the lives of her whole family, among multiple other lives.”
Katilin said she doesn’t think she can forgive Alison.
Luka’s father Nick was next to take the stand.
The courtroom also heard from Luka’s maternal grandmother Jody Meyer
Letters were also read on behalf of Luka’s sister Sophia and Luka’s grandparents.
Alison Dorsey was given the opportunity to speak to the courtroom this morning, but she did not want to.
Judge Amy Zacharias sentenced Alison Dorsey to 50 years in prison for Murder in the Second Degree with a mandatory 35 years, she was given credit for time served, and must pay $150,000.00 restitution. Dorsey will serve her time at Iowa Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville, Iowa.
Dorsey has the right to appeal the sentence. That notice of appeal must be filed within 30-days.
Dorsey was on trial in early May for Murder in the 1st Degree and Child Endangerment resulting in death. The State argued the infant died of abusive head trauma (Shaken Baby Syndrome). The defense argued the injuries occurred before October 7, 2019.
The trial in May 2023 was the second go-around for this case. The initial trial ended in a deadlocked jury. The trial was then moved to Pottawattamie County District Court.
