After three days of testimony, and with no evidence presented by the defense, a jury Monday convicted Michael Lang of killing Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith during a 2021 standoff. Lang will be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, as is mandatory in the state of Iowa for first degree murder. He has also been convicted of attempt to commit murder, and assault on a peace officer in the pursuit, altercation, and standoff in Grundy Center. The jury deliberated for 2 ½ hours before returning with the guilty verdict on all charges. A sentencing date has not been set.
