Governor won't reduce life sentence for Cedar Rapids man convicted of 1981 kidnapping 

Gov. Terry Branstad will not reduce the life prison sentence of a 53-year-old Cedar Rapids man who was convicted in the kidnapping and sexual assault of a classmate in 1981.

The commutation application was denied last Thursday, according to a news release Wednesday.

Bruce A. Hatter, who was convicted at age 20 for first-degree kidnapping by a Linn County jury in 1982, will remain in prison for life without parole.

Hatter kidnapped a 19-year-old woman from the Harding Junior High parking lot and sexually assaulted her.

According to The Gazette archives, the woman testified during trial that a man grabbed her from behind at her car, wielding a knife, and told her to 'get in or I'll kill you.” She got into her car. When the man handcuffed her, she recognized Hatter as a former high school classmate.

She said Hatter drove out to a snowy field and sexually assaulted her. Hatter then drove down the road, and as he tried to make a U-turn, he drove her car into the ditch, she testified. He had her take the wheel as he got out to push, but he couldn't get the car out of the ditch. They started walking.

The woman said Hatter got behind her and raised the knife, as if to kill her, but she grabbed his arm and stopped him. Eventually, she was released from the cuffs and got Hatter to surrender the knife and flag down a ride.

Hatter, according to an article, claimed insanity. A psychologist testified he suffered from a drug-induced psychosis.

Applications denied

Other applications for commutation denied by Branstad last week:

' Fred L. Ruble, 54, committed his crime Jan. 9, 1982, in Woodbury County. He is serving a life sentence for first-degree kidnapping.

' Gary A. Winnett, 51, committed his crime March 2, 1987, in Boone County. He is serving a life sentence for first-degree murder.