VAN HEMERT CLAIMS "STAND YOUR GROUND" LAW IN MURDER TRIAL

Van Hemert claims “Stand Your Ground” law in murder trial

An Oskaloosa man accused of stabbing a William Penn University basketball player to death now says he should be immune from prosecution because of Iowa’s Stand Your Ground law.  24-year-old Luke Van Hemert is charged with second degree murder in the death of 22-year-old Marquis Todd in March of last year.  According to court documents, Van Hemert claims he wants to be immune from prosecution because of a state law that says a person doesn’t have to retreat before using deadly force if someone believes their life is being threatened.  Van Hemert’s trial is scheduled to start April 9; he is in the Mahaska County Jail on $500,000 cash only bond.

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