From the KCRG-TV9 Newsroom:
A jury has found Dakota Van Patten guilty of first degree murder in the death of 20-year-old Melody Hoffman. The prosecution says Van Patten helped McKinley Louisma kill Hoffman last year. Louisma is already serving a life sentence on a first degree murder conviction. Van Patten also faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. Sentencing is set for November.
Startling video released yesterday shows an ICE arrest in the middle of an Iowa City grocery store. Immigrant advocate group Escucha Mi Voz released the video of the take down arrest of Jorge Gonzalez Ochoa, who works at the Bread Garden Market in downtown Iowa City. Escucha Mi Voz says three federal agents used excessive force, and endangered workers and customers during the incident. The group says Gonzalez is an immigrant living at the Iowa City Catholic Worker House with his wife and son. He had just been to Chicago to get his passport in order. The group says he was working to apply for asylum, but in the meantime wore an ankle monitor so ICE could track him.
Iowa State University has fired an employee, Caitlyn Spencer, after she made a social media post about the fatal shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The Gazette reports Spencer’s post said Kirk “got what was coming” due to his support of the right to bear arms. A notice of termination by the university states Spencer violated her ethical obligation as a financial aid professional. The Iowa Board of Regents is investigating social media posts by staff in the wake of Kirk’s death. The board is ordered to finish these investigations by next week.
A University of Dubuque has discovered two varieties of ticks in eastern Iowa. Paige Manning found two Lone Star ticks, known for causing an allergy to red meat, and three Gulf Coast ticks this summer. The Gulf Coast tick was the first of its kind discovered anywhere in Iowa. Researchers say due to our recent milder winters, these ticks new to our area have a better chance of surviving here, while also staying active longer.
