Prosecution Resists New Trial Request for Decorah Man Convicted of Killing Father

The prosecution is resisting the request for a new trial by a Decorah man found guilty of killing his father. 

In March, 44-year-old Aaron Whittle was convicted of second-degree murder in the death of 74-year-old Lawrence Whittle almost a year earlier.  Initially, Lawrence Whittle was reported missing March 17, 2022, and after his vehicle was located two days later, Aaron Whittle was arrested by the Winneshiek County Sheriff’s Office when he admitted he shot his father in Aaron Whittle’s home. 

Whittle was originally charged with first-degree murder, but last month a Winneshiek County District Court jury found him guilty of second-degree murder, which carries a sentence of 20 years-to-life in prison. 

A sentencing hearing for Whittle is scheduled for May 10th, but on April 5th he filed a motion seeking a new trial and for an arrest of judgment. 

Monday (04.17), Winneshiek County Attorney Andrew Van Der Maaten filed a resistance motion stating that several arguments for a new trail raised by the defense were addressed during the trial itself.

A hearing on the matter has now been set for April 25th.