Man accused of murder pleads not guilty

Man accused of murder pleads not guilty

October 2, 2008

Olivian Moran

The Daily Iowan

A former Iowa City resident accused of beating his child to death three years ago pleaded not guilty, online court records revealed late last night.

Brian Dykstra, 32, turned himself in on Aug. 9 after police issued a warrant for his arrest. He is charged with second-degree murder.

Police reported that on Aug. 13, 2005, Iowa City police received a 911 call from Dykstra's home when Dykstra told dispatchers his 20-month-old child was having a "little seizure" and difficulty breathing.

Police found Issac Dykstra in the home "clearly in distress," with obvious head injuries and bruising. He later died at UI Hospitals and Clinics after undergoing brain surgery.

If convicted, Brian Dykstra faces 50 years in prison. He was released from jail in August on a $15,000 bond.