A Fort Dodge man convicted of first-degree murder is demanding the courts acquit him or provide a new trial.

Isaac Bachman was found guilty on Oct. 30 in the 2023 murder of 14-year-old Dakari James in the 1200 block of First Avenue North in Fort Dodge.

A jury deliberated less than two hours before unanimously finding him guilty of first-degree murder.

In court documents filed last Friday, 19 subpoenas were served to potential witnesses, many of whom did not testify in the first trial. Court filings also show that a renewed motion for judgment of acquittal and a motion for a new trial had been made.

In the filings, the defense stated that “No witness provided testimony regarding (Bachman’s) specific intent to kill Mr. James. There was a greater amount of credible evidence that supported the fact that there was no premeditation by (Bachman).”

Court filings from the defense stated that Bachman’s use of force was justified and that he fired “only when his attacker moved forward. The greater amount of credible evidence supported (Bachman’s) justified use of force.”

Documents also stated that the jury was improperly instructed to determine the defendant to be guilty if the elements of the crimes were met, without requiring additional elements, as well as stating that premeditation and malice and intent to kill could be inferred from use of a dangerous weapon.

The defense also stated in their filing that the prosecution made prejudicial errors in their closing statements about reasonable doubt.

“Said statements were deliberately intended to either confuse the jury or impugn the

Defendant, via defense counsel, and to lessen the burden constitutionally required of the

State to prove Defendant guilty beyond any reasonable doubt.”

Bachman was scheduled to be sentenced potentially to life in prison without the possibility of parole on Friday. However, a hearing on the motion for acquittal or a new trial is now set for Dec. 19.

If the court denies Bachman’s motions on Dec. 19, he will be sentenced at that time.