Lang to Use Self-Defense In Upcoming Murder Trial

Michael Lang, the man accused in the shooting death of Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Jim Smith, has submitted a letter of intent to the Iowa District Court that he plans to use a self-defense argument in his trial. Police say a fight during a traffic stop led to a shootout at Lang’s home in Grundy Center. Lang is charged with first-degree murder. A day before the filing of intent to argue self-defense, the prosecution filed a motion requesting the defense not ask witnesses about Lang’s self-defense claim or about Iowa’s “stand your ground,” or self-defense law. The judge ordered that this motion will be considered at the time of the trial.  The trial will commence on May 9^th  at 9:00AM in the Hamilton County Courthouse in Webster City.