(Des Moines) A former Massena Daycare provider is seeking further review of the court of appeals decision that affirmed her convictions for second-degree murder and child endangerment causing death. Alison Dorsey was found guilty of the death of 11-week-old Luka Hodges while at her daycare in Massena on October 7, 2019
Alison Dorsey argues that the change of venue from Cass County to Pottawattamie County was improper, substantial evidence did not support the verdict, evidence of the victim’s rib injury was improperly admitted, she was unfairly deprived of her right to call additional character witnesses regarding certain traits, and the court erred in denying her motion for a new trial.
Iowa Supreme Court oral arguments are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. today (November 14).
Attorneys state that Dorsey’s first trial was held in Cass County, where the purported crime occurred and resulted in a hung jury; allegedly 10-2 in favor of a complete acquittal. The trial was then moved to Pottawattamie County. At the second trial, Dorsey was sentenced to the 50-years’ incarceration period with the mandatory 35-years’ prison sentence minimum.
