Rand sentenced to life in prison

     Sentencing was held for former Hampton resident Ronald Rand on Monday, October 24, concluding a 10 month legal process.
     Rand, 61, was found guilty of murder in the first degree in the 2015 death of his girlfriend, Michelle Key, 51, Waterloo. Since his arrest he has been held in the Cerro Gordo County Law Enforcement Complex.
     The charge of first degree murder comes with a mandatory life sentence and $150,000 in restitution to the victim's family. Rand's attorney, State Public Defender Susan Flander, requested that Rand's attorney fees be waived.
     "Given the nature of this sentence, I don't think Ron should pay any attorney fees," said Flander. "What he has should go towards restitution."
     Rand himself expressed grief over his actions but maintained that he is innocent of pre-meditated murder.
    Read the full article in the October 26 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.