LINN COUNTY, Iowa — Trial continues Monday for the man accused of being an accomplice in the killing of a 20-year-old Marion woman.
Dakota Van Patten is charged with first-degree murder in the death of Melody Hoffman in February 2024. Investigators believe Hoffman was killed at Morgan Creek Park in Cedar Rapids before her body was found at Amana Lily Lake.
Investigators testify Van Patten was a passenger in McKinley Louisma’s car the night of the murder, with traffic camera and cell phone tower location evidence. Louisma is Van Patten’s friend and Hoffman’s ex-boyfriend…