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Teen Appeals 87-Year Sentence for Veteran's Murder in Iowa

4/10/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Dech Gach, a teenager from Sioux City, Iowa, appeals his 87-year sentence for murdering Navy veteran Larry Thompson.
He was 15 at the March 2021 crime, and his lawyers seek a lighter term.
Gach's attorney questions whether he fired the weapon, citing Bluetooth evidence issues.
DNA on a glove with gun residue and shell casings match the murder weapon; the Nebraska Supreme Court will rule in mid-2026.

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Story summary

Dech Gach, a teenager from Sioux City, Iowa, appeals his 87-year sentence for murdering Navy veteran Larry Thompson.
He was 15 at the March 2021 crime, and his lawyers seek a lighter term.
Gach's attorney questions whether he fired the weapon, citing Bluetooth evidence issues.
DNA on a glove with gun residue and shell casings match the murder weapon; the Nebraska Supreme Court will rule in mid-2026.