Aaron Whittle guilty of second degree murder

Thursday, March 2, 2023 9:07 pm

Today, after a week-long trial and more than 14 hours of deliberations, the 12 member jury assigned to the murder trial of Aaron Whittle reached a verdict and agreed unanimously that Whittle was guilty of murder in the second degree in the March 2022 death of his stepfather, Larry Whittle.

Today, after a week-long trial and more than 14 hours of deliberations, the 12 member jury assigned to the murder trial of Aaron Whittle reached a verdict and agreed unanimously that Whittle was guilty of murder in the second degree in the March 2022 death of his stepfather, Larry Whittle.

Aaron Whittle reported his 74-year-old stepfather missing Saturday, March 19, 2022. The next day, Aaron admitted to law enforcement that he fabricated the story and had, in fact, shot and killed his stepfather in self defense three days prior.  

During the the trial, prosecutors sought to prove Whittle planned the act, and then willfully and deliberately killed Larry sometime very late March 17 or in the early morning hours of March 18, 2022.  Aaron admitted to burning Larry’s body as well as evidence before reporting his father missing to authorities.  

Despite admitting the killing, Aaron’s defense twice asked the court for an acquittal on all charges, but presiding judge, Judge Laura Parrish, denied both requests, citing that there were numerous issues that needed to be addressed by the jury.  

Under Iowa law, second-degree murder is the same as first degree murder, but does not include premeditation.  It is a Class B felony, and punishment shall not exceed 50 years in prison.  A mandatory 70% sentence must be served before being eligible for parole.  

Judge Parrish announced that Aaron will be sentenced in the next several months.