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Mother says she hopes daughter’s name ‘haunts’ man convicted in her killing
Melody Hoffman’s father says he ‘died the same day she did’ in 2024
Nov. 21, 2025 5:08 pm
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CEDAR RAPIDS — A heartbroken Marion mother on Friday told a Hiawatha man he could have been the “hero of this story” and stopped his “so-called friends” from kidnapping, beating and strangling her 20-year-old daughter on Feb. 17, 2024.
Megan Hoffman told Logan William Michael Kimpton, 20, — convicted being sentenced Friday for helping two others kill her daughter Melody Hoffman — he only thought of himself when he realized what McKinley Louisma, 24, of Hiawatha, and Dakota Van Patten, 19, of Cedar Rapids, were planning was wrong and he “chickened out,” but didn’t tell anyone.
“Melody could still be alive today if you would have thought about others as well,” said Megan, who teared up throughout her victim impact statement. “Instead, we are here. Multiple families destroyed and forever changed because of your choices.”
Megan told Kimpton she hoped Melody’s name “haunts” him every time he hears it and he regrets every decision he made.
“I hope you never stop thinking about her, how your cowardice changed everything and how she will continue to impact your life even though she’s not alive,” Megan said.
She also told Kimpton, who received a suspended sentence and probation, this was his second chance — one Melody never had.
“Get a better group of friends,” Megan said. “Do something useful. It’s time to become a productive member of this community. It’s time to do the right things and make the right choices. Because if you don’t, you will be sitting behind bars for a lot longer (than the 21 months pending trial). You will be gone for years.”
Melody’s father, T.J. Hoffman, in his statement, said the loss of a child in a senseless crime like this has “stirred something in me that I have yet to grasp and is an insurmountable pain.” He said this has shaken his confidence and he feels his choices in the past have somehow led to this moment.
“If Megan and Melody didn’t move to Marion, they may have never met (Louisma) and Melody would still be here putting Sriracha in my cookies,” T.J. said. “If I had endured the challenges of a relationship and not got divorced, she may still be here. Megan is now back in my life and we are having to face those challenges anyway.”
Melody was his purpose in life, he said. The reason to get out of bed. The reason he did everything. He knew that when he was gone, she would have his home and it would make her life easier than his.
“Now, I have no purpose but to exist,” T.J. said. “But what is existence without the ones you love.”
The grieving father said the impact of this crime will never fade. If Melody had lived, there would be a toddler running around his house. He said thought about what she would name her child and he could imagine the type of mother she would be. He said she would probably laugh at him when he changed a diaper and made a face.
“The father I used to be, the man I was proud of, died the same day she did,” T.J. said. “Even with all this confusion and negative feelings, I still intend to lead with hope and love when continuing to rebuild my life and interact with those I come into contact with. Logan, I hope you have the power within yourself to do the same, despite all the odds.”
Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks said the family came to the hearing with “heavy hearts,” knowing Kimpton’s plea was for a suspended sentence and probation, but they have gone through two “graphic and harrowing” trials, having to “relive the nightmare of losing Melody.” They didn’t want to face another.
The two people responsible for her killing, Louisma and Van Patten, are in prison for the rest of their lives, so Maybanks said the family supported Kimpton’s guilty plea because it balances holding Kimpton accountable and allowing him rehabilitation.
Kimpton, during sentencing, declined to make a statement.
Sixth Judicial District Judge Chad Kepros accepted Kimpton’s guilty plea to conspiracy to commit a forcible felony, a Class C felony, suspended the 10-year sentence and gave him three years probation.
Kimpton made an Alford plea, in which a defendant doesn’t admit guilt but admits the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove its case.
Kepros said he had mixed feelings about the plea, but came to realize it made sense because it does provide an additional protection to the community, while also holding Kimpton responsible for his part in Melody’s death.
The judge gave Kimpton a heart-to-heart, warning him that he will be on probation for three years and during that time, he will have to answer to a probation officer and abide by rules and requirements. If he doesn’t, he could be found in contempt or his probation could be revoked — meaning he could serve up to 10 years in prison.
Kimpton was involved in the initial planning with Louisma and Van Patten to kill Melody but he told police he “chickened out.”
During the investigation into Hoffman’s killing, Kimpton admitted to investigators he had been with her ex-boyfriend — Louisma — and Van Patten at a Walmart that night when they purchased two machetes and gloves. During Louisma’s trial, testimony and surveillance evidence of Kimpton put him with the two others in the store that night.
Hoffman was kidnapped and taken to Morgan Creek Park in Cedar Rapids, where Louisma and Van Patten attacked her. Investigators believe she was killed at the park before she was taken to the Lily Pond in Amana, where her body was found.
A medical examiner, during Louisma’s trial, testified Hoffman died by strangulation. She also had numerous stab and slash wounds to her body and was bound with duct tape.
Trish Mehaffey covers state and federal courts for The Gazette
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com
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