Trial set for Iowa City man charged in son's death

A trial is now scheduled in May 2010 for a former Iowa City man facing a second-degree murder charge in connection with his son's death.

Attorney Leon Spies filed a motion in August to continue the trial for Brian Dykstra, 33, now of Central, S.C., saying extra time was needed for experts will examine evidence in the the case.

Officers were sent to Dykstra's residence at 918 Ginter Ave. on Aug. 13, 2005, after receiving an abandoned 911 call. A dispatcher called back and spoke with Dykstra, who said his 21-month-old adopted son, Isaac, was possibly having a “little seizure” and had difficulty breathing.

Emergency crews found Isaac unconscious on the living room floor, with labored breathing and apparent head injuries with visible bruising. Isaac was taken by ambulance to University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He was pronounced brain-dead the next day.

An investigation ended in August 2008, and Dykstra surrendered to police Aug. 9. He was released after posting $15,000 for bail.

Dykstra's pretrial conference is set for April 29, and the trial is set for May 10 at 9 a.m.

Second-degree murder is a Class B felony punishable by up to 50 years in prison.