A Hamilton County judge denied a motion for a new trial in the case of Michael Lang Monday, implementing a mandatory life sentence for the man convicted of first-degree murder in the shooting death of Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith.
"In the court's position, this isn't even a close call."
The judge ruled the greater amount of credible evidence supports the jury's findings that Lang's actions were premeditated, and with the malice of forethought.
The judge also ordered Lang to pay $150,000 to Smith's widow, although he acknowledged Lang would be unlikely to be able to pay it.
Victims shared their impact statements with the court before the official sentencing came down, although the judge said they could not be taken into consideration for Lang's sentencing under Iowa law.
Sgt. Smith's son Zander was among those who took the stand Monday.
He spoke directly to his father's killer, saying he's trying to learn how to forgive him, and urging Lang to abscond evil and accept the love of God.
"This level of mercy is beyond our comprehension. God loves you, and just as my dad lived out, each of you deserves to accept it, and that includes Mr. Lang," Zander Smith said. "As my dad said there still remains consequences for you actions on earth, you do deserve to be punished for your evil, but I know, and my dad knew, that eternally after life on earth God's grace was given to all who choose to accept it. If you quit pursuing evil and instead pursue Jesus, you can avoid the eternal punishment that is hell. I know without hesitation that my dad is in heaven now and that I will one day see him again. And that does bring me peace.
I am trying to learn how to forgive you, but I know if you repent, God will forgive you in an instant. For the sake of my dad, each of you have a choice to make today. And that includes you, Mr. Lang. Each of you can choose to turn to God, or continue to sit in the judgement seat. Thank you."
The judge confirmed Lang's mandatory life sentence for the first-degree murder charge.
For the attempted murder conviction, Lang was ordered to pay a $1,025 fine and serve at least 70% of a 25-year-sentence before parole eligibility.
Lang was also ordered to serve five years for his conviction on assaulting a peace officer, and informed he's now forever be prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Prosecutors asked that the sentences for each charge run consecutively, while Lang's attorney offered no recommendation when it came to sentencing.
Lang was offered the opportunity to make a statement on his own behalf, to which he replied, "No sir."
Lang's attorney's argued the jury should've been allowed to decide whether law enforcement were at Lang's home lawfully.
Lang's Stand Your Ground argument was blocked from jury consideration, because the judge agreed with the state the issue was a matter of law meant to be decided by the court.
Prosecutors argued Lang prompted a standoff at his Grundy Center home April 9, 2021, after assaulting Grundy Center reserve officer Cody Niehaus.
The incident began when Officer Niehaus tried to pull Lang over for speeding through town and Lang didn't stop, instead leading the officer on a pursuit into the county.
The state showed Officer Niehaus's body camera video during trial, which showed Lang hitting and pushing the officer, even after he was tased.
Lang has 30 days to appeal.