Cedar Rapids, Iowa — Dakota Van Patten, a 19-year-old man from Cedar Rapids, Iowa, is standing trial for the first-degree murder of Melody Hoffman, 20, who was found dead in February 2024. The victim’s death has sent shockwaves through the local community, with disturbing allegations emerging about Van Patten’s behavior after the brutal killing.

Prosecutors claim that Van Patten was involved in the premeditated murder of Hoffman, helping his friend McKinley Louisma, 20, carry out the crime. Van Patten’s actions after the murder have only added to the shock, as investigators allege that he took over 200 selfies wearing Hoffman’s glasses in the hours following the attack, continuing to snap photos while showing no remorse for his actions.

The Murder: A Brutal and Unprovoked Attack

On the evening of February 17, 2024, Louisma, accompanied by Van Patten, allegedly picked up Melody Hoffman at 11:00 p.m. Hoffman, who had an intellectual disability, was reportedly trusting and mentally closer to a 14-year-old than a 20-year-old. The two men allegedly bound Hoffman’s wrists with duct tape before driving her to Morgan Creek Park, where the brutality of the attack unfolded.

At the park, Van Patten and Louisma allegedly beat Hoffman while she begged for her life, before placing her in the trunk of their car. The two men then drove to Lily Lake in Iowa County, where they continued their assault. The victim’s screams were ignored, and she was left to die near the pond.

Louisma, who was reportedly involved in an intimate relationship with Hoffman and another woman at the time, later confessed to police that he and Van Patten had planned and executed the murder together. Hoffman was found dead three days later, and the details of her death are harrowing.

Medical Examiner’s Testimony: Strangulation and Severe Injuries

In court testimony, Associate State Medical Examiner Dr. Kelly Kruse confirmed that the cause of death was strangulation, though it was not with hands. The exam revealed paracord, which investigators believe was used to strangle Hoffman, matching a rope found in Louisma’s car and paracord discovered in Van Patten’s home.

Hoffman’s injuries included blunt force trauma to her head, five stab wounds, serrated knife cuts, and six cutting wounds to her right hand. She also had various abrasions and bruises on her face, indicating a prolonged and violent struggle.

Moreover, tests suggested Hoffman might have been pregnant at the time of her death, as lab results indicated hormones consistent with early pregnancy. This finding adds another layer of tragedy to her untimely and brutal demise.

Disturbing Behavior After the Killing: Over 200 Selfies

One of the most chilling aspects of the case involves Van Patten’s alleged actions after the murder. Investigators reportedly recovered photos from Van Patten’s phone showing him wearing Hoffman’s glasses — which were later found in his room. Between 2:30 p.m. on February 18 and 8:30 p.m. on February 19, Van Patten is alleged to have taken more than 200 selfies wearing the victim’s clear-framed eyewear.

The selfies allegedly show Van Patten in various states — shirtless in bed, wearing the same sweatshirt he wore the night of the killing, and even vaping — all while sporting Hoffman’s glasses. Prosecutors have described this behavior as callous, indicating that Van Patten displayed no remorse for his horrific actions.

Further disturbing evidence includes Van Patten allegedly being seen with a machete shortly after the murder. When asked by a witness who he had killed, he reportedly responded with, “Melody.”

McKinley Louisma’s Conviction

In November 2024, McKinley Louisma was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in connection with Hoffman’s death. He was sentenced to life in prison without parole, a decision that has left the community divided but also ensured that one of the perpetrators faces the consequences of his actions.

Louisma’s conviction has not provided closure for Hoffman’s family, but it has shed light on the gruesome nature of the crime. The shocking details of the murder and the chilling selfies that followed have made headlines, drawing attention to the cruelty involved.

Logan Kimpton: A Third Suspect

A third suspect, Logan Kimpton, is facing charges of conspiracy and willful injury in connection with Hoffman’s death. His trial is set to begin in November 2025, and it is expected that the court will continue to uncover more details about the planning and execution of the murder.

Kimpton’s involvement in the crime remains under investigation, and prosecutors hope that his trial will provide more clarity about the full extent of the conspiracy that led to Hoffman’s death.

The Aftermath: A Community in Shock

The murder of Melody Hoffman has left the Cedar Rapids community in shock. Her family and friends are still grappling with the loss of a young woman whose life was tragically cut short. In the wake of the trial, many are left asking why such a violent crime occurred and how individuals close to Hoffman could betray her trust in such a horrific manner.

As the trial against Dakota Van Patten continues, the community is left searching for answers and struggling to understand the motivation behind this brutal crime. The details of the case have sparked conversations about the dangers of manipulation, trust, and the potential for violence when individuals feel disconnected from society.