CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) - Testimony is now underway in the trial for one of the men charged in the murder of Melody Hoffman .

The 20-year-old Marion woman was found dead near Lily Lake in Amana in February 2024.

Dakota Van Patten is charged with First Degree Murder, Kidnapping, and Conspiracy to Commit a Forcible Felony.

Investigators accuse Van Patten helped McKinley Louisma kill Hoffman, who they say had been in an intimate relationship with Louisma.

Investigators say Van Patten, Louisma, Logan Kimpton were seen on surveillance video buying machetes and gloves at a Cedar Rapids Walmart shortly before Hoffman’s murder.

During opening statement Wednesday, prosecutors said Louisma needed help to carry out the murder.

“Partners in terror premeditated and executed the kidnapping a

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