Lang trial moved to Webster City

GRUNDY CENTER – The trial for a Grundy Center man accused of murdering an Iowa state trooper last April will be moved to Webster City, following a court ruling last week at the Grundy County Courthouse.

The trial is set to begin May 9, 2022 at 9 a.m. at the Hamilton County Courthouse in Webster City.

Michael Thomas Lang is accused of murder, attempted murder and assault on a peace officer in the death of Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Jim Smith in a standoff last April. Earlier this year, the defense argued that seating a Grundy County-based jury for the trial would be challenging based on Lang’s status in the community. No resistance to the motion was brought forth by the prosecution.

The defense has also been granted a motion for the state to provide Lang with prescription glasses to allow Lang to read documents related to his defense. The Grundy County Sheriff is responsible for making arrangements related to the examination necessary to provide Lang his glasses.

One motion from the defense that was denied was a request to sever the assault charge on the grounds that the assault occurred at a separate location and time from the standoff in Grundy Center.

The state successfully argued that the assault charge was part of a “common scheme or plan” by Lang that can’t be separated from the murder and attempted murder charges.