Rand trial begins in Mitchell County

     The trial of Ronald "Lee" Rand began at the Mitchell County Courthouse in Osage on Monday, Aug. 22.
     Rand, 61, of Hampton was charged with first degree murder after allegedly killing his girlfriend, Michelle Key, 51, of Waterloo on Dec. 13, 2015. Rand has pled not guilty to the charge.
     Prosecuting the case is District Attorney Coleman McAllister with the Iowa Attorney General's Office and Franklin County Attorney Brent Symens. Defending Rand is State Public Defenders Susan Flander and Parker Thirnbeck.
     Proceeded over by Judge DeDra Schroeder, the trial's first day was dedicated exclusively to jury selection. McAllister and Thirnbeck spent the morning and afternoon explaining the responsibilities of a juror and asking questions to the jury candidates to determine who will be selected.
     Read the full article in the August 24 edition of the Hampton Chronicle.