A Muscatine man has been sentenced to life in prison for killing his girlfriend nearly two years ago.
David J.S. Hatfield, 24, was found guilty of first degree murder after shooting 18-year-old Kaitlyn Palmer in the head while she was sleeping at Saulsbury Bridge Recreation Area.
Palmer and Hatfield were in a relationship, and prosecutors said he killed her because she was pregnant.
Hatfield claimed Palmer shot herself when he called authorities on October 16, 2019. She died the next day at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics.
At sentencing hearing Friday, Hatfield was also ordered to pay $150,000 in restitution to Palmer’s estate.
