Central Iowa Farmer Who Killed Neighbor Ordered to Pay Millions

KCCI.com

Milo farmer Rodney Heemstra leaves the Ft. Dodge, Iowa, Correctional Facility early Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2008, with his wife, Berta Heemstra, by his side. Heemstra, of Milo, was convicted six years ago of first-degree murder for killing Tom Lyon. He appealed and the Iowa Supreme Court ordered a new trial. Last year, a jury found Heemstra guilty of voluntary manslaughter and he was sentenced to 10 years. (AP Photo/The Des Moines Register, John Gaps III)

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By Liz Blood

Story Created: Aug 17, 2012 at 5:37 PM CDT

Story Updated: Aug 17, 2012 at 5:38 PM CDT

WARREN COUNTY, Iowa - A nearly decade-long legal battle may finally be coming to an end.

At issue is a $7 million wrongful death lawsuit judgment Rodney Heemstra was ordered to pay to the widow of Tom Lyon.

In 2003, Rodney Heemstra shot and killed Tom Lyon, and then hid his body over a land dispute near Milo.

A jury convicted Heemstra of murder. After the Iowa Supreme Court overturned the case, a new jury convicted Heemstra of voluntary manslaughter.

A few years ago, Lyon's family received a settlement ruling of $5.8 million. With attorney fees and interest, the figure grew closer to $7 million.

Heemstra has been fighting that judgment ever since.

Friday, a judge ordered Heemstra to pay $4,059,667 to Ronda Lyon in a settlement decision.

Another court proceeding on Friday afternoon determined an additional settlement involving other Heemstra property.

Other specifics from the settlements are sealed, but judges in both hearings have ordered the accounts settled by the end of the year.

Both Lyon and Heemstra would incur additional tax penalties if the case drags on into 2013.

Other specifics from the settlements are sealed, but judges in both hearings have ordered the accounts settled by the end of the year.

Both Lyon and Heemstra would incur additional tax penalties if the case drags on into 2013.

Ronda Lyon’s attorney, Donald Beattie, wouldn't let KCCI News speak with her after the hearing, but he said Rhonda's ready for it to be over.

“It's like the nightmare has gone on on elm street for 10 years,” said Beattie.

When asked for comment, Heemstra declined to talk to KCCI News.