Linderman sentencing continued once more

By Bob Steenson, bsteenson@charlescitypress.com

The sentencing of a Charles City man convicted last November of a Jasper County murder has been delayed one more time, with what the judge in the case says is the final continuance.

Randy Linderman, age 53, was convicted of first-degree murder in November 2018 for having killed Jose Ramirez Berber in Berber’s rural home in Newton, by hitting him in the head and face and causing blunt force trauma.

Sentencing has been continued several times, with the latest hearing that had been set for Monday again rescheduled.

In his order filed Monday, Jasper County District Court Judge Richard Clogg wrote, “Any amendments or additional post-trial motions, any affidavits in support thereof, and a list of any witnesses to be called by the defendant at the hearing shall be submitted by July 3, 2019. No further continuances will be granted.”

The order set the hearing and sentencing for Wednesday, July 10, in Jasper County District Court.

Shortly after being convicted on the murder charge, Linderman began sending hand-written notes to Judge Richard Clogg, asking the judge to review the evidence that was presented during the trial and offering what he said was new evidence.

One hearing was held in closed court, where Linderman presented what he said was evidence that another person had committed the crime.

After that hearing, Jasper County Attorney Scott Nicholson filed a resistance to Linderman’s motion for a new trial, saying no new evidence had been presented.