(photo-KSCJ)
Reese Harms of Le Mars was sentenced today to a maximum 50 years in prison in the death of Michael Gomez of Merrill.
Judge Patrick Tott announced the sentence at a hearing in Plymouth County District Court in Le Mars.
the 25 year old Harms was found guilty in March of 2nd degree murder and attempted murder of Gomez, 44, The two were involved in a fight at the Fieldcrest Apartment complex in January, 2024. Harms choked Gomez until he became unconscious. Gomez was taken to the hospital, and died several days later.
Today, Judge Tott combined the verdicts and rendered one sentence. Under state law, 2nd degree murder carries a mandatory 50 year prison sentence, with the possiblity of parole after serving 70% of the sentence. That means Harms can be considered for parole after serviing 35 years.
Fines and court costs were waived, but Harms was ordered to pay 250-thousand dollars in restitution to the victim’s family.
