DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – A police body camera captured the aftermath of a Johnston woman’s murder, according to KCCI-TV. Johnston police showed the footage Wednesday as testimony continued in the murder trial of Abraham Roberts — the man accused of shooting his girlfriend, Agnes Yarlee, in April. Police say her baby was in a bouncy rocking chair in between her mother’s legs, looking up at her.
MASON CITY, IA (IRN) – The trial has been delayed for a man accused of stabbing to death his grandparents in the Mason City home they shared. KIMT-TV reports the new trial starting date for Codie Matz is Feb. 20. Matz has pled not guilty to two counts of first-degree murder.
DES MOINES, IA (IRN) – The Chief Justice of the Iowa Supreme Court says the state court system is approaching a crisis point. Chief Justice Mark Cady said during his State of the Judiciary address on Wednesday that budget cuts have stripped the courts of 182 jobs, a 10 percent reduction in the workforce.
MARION, IA (IRN) – The Linn Mar school district in eastern Iowa is defending a student’s First Amendment rights, according to KCRG-TV. This comes after a few parents complained about one artwork displayed in the school’s hallways. The artwork appears to depict an ibex and an disemboweled human body. Officials say they won’t take the painting down because of the student’s constitutional rights and because they want students to express themselves. The artist says the artwork was a way to heal after being involved in an abusive relationship.
RED OAK, IA (IRN) – Cattle rustlers are on the prowl in western Iowa, according to KETV. Don Wolfe says he has had hay stolen before, but never cattle. Wolfe, who co-owns the Omaha/Red Oak Livestock Market with his son, Pat, believes 34 calves were swiped from his property early Sunday morning. Wolfe says it’s a $27,000 hit to his business, and that he should have locked them up.
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA (IRN) – The University of Iowa softball team traded the dirt for the ice to see what it takes to learn another sport–curling. KWWL-TV reports the team traveled to the Cedar Rapids Ice Arena where they tried curling. The outing was meant to serve as a team bonding exercise. One player says it was “really fun,” and that she plans to watch it in the upcoming Olympic games.