He’s Accused of Killing Woman, Then Taking Selfies in Her Glasses — Now M.E. Says She Was Possibly Pregnant

Teen Accused of Helping Friend Murder Girlfriend and Taking Selfies In her Glasses

An Iowa teenager is facing trial for allegedly assisting his friend in the murder of his girlfriend, Melody Hoffman, and then callously taking selfies wearing her glasses after her death. The harrowing incident took place in February 2024, when 20-year-old Melody Hoffman’s remains were discovered at a pond in Iowa. The accused, Dakota Van Patten, 19, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with Hoffman’s death, as reported by PEOPLE.

Authorities believe that Van Patten colluded with Melody Hoffman’s on-again-off-again boyfriend, McKinley Louisma, in planning and executing her murder. Louisma was convicted of first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and conspiracy to commit a forcible felony in connection to the case and was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

According to an affidavit obtained by CBS2 Iowa, Van Patten was allegedly present when Louisma picked up Melody Hoffman at 11 p.m. on the fateful night. The affidavit details that Hoffman was bound with duct tape, beaten, and left to die at a pond in Iowa County after being driven there in Louisma’s car. The prosecution claims that the duo callously disregarded Hoffman’s pleas for mercy during the heinous act.

During a court hearing, Associate State Medical Examiner Dr. Kelly Kruse revealed that Melody Hoffman’s cause of death was determined to be strangulation by an object other than the hands. The examination also unveiled blunt force injuries to her head, multiple stab wounds, and other signs of physical trauma. Shockingly, lab tests indicated the possibility that Hoffman was pregnant at the time of her untimely death.

Critical evidence was recovered from Louisma’s vehicle, including a pocketknife with blood stains, machetes, duct tape, and clothing items belonging to Hoffman. Photos retrieved from Van Patten’s phone allegedly depict him wearing Hoffman’s glasses, which were found in his possession. The chilling nature of the crime is further underscored by witness testimonies implicating the suspects in the murder.

Another suspect, Logan Kimpton, is also facing charges of conspiracy and willful injury in connection to Melody Hoffman’s tragic death. The trial for Kimpton is slated to commence in November, adding another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal proceedings. The community remains shocked and distressed by the horrific details that have emerged during the investigation.

As the trial unfolds and more information comes to light, the quest for justice for Melody Hoffman intensifies. The devastating loss of a young life under such circumstances has left a lasting impact on all those involved. The legal system is diligently working to ensure that those responsible for this senseless crime face the full consequences of their actions.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of upholding justice in the face of tragedy. The memory of Melody Hoffman lives on as her loved ones seek closure and accountability for the injustice that befell their beloved daughter and friend.