THE DARK SIDE OF IOWA
Michael Coffman
#1072107
taken in 2009, photo courtesy Iowa Juvenile Lifers
Full Name: Michael Patrick Leon Coffman
DOB: July 6, 1978
Charge: 1st degree murder
County: Wapello
City: Ottumwa
Current Status: Iowa State Penitentiary
Date of Crime: July 25, 1994
Tentative Discharge Date: Life
Victim: Jeremy Allen
DOB: July 6, 1978
Charge: 1st degree murder
County: Wapello
City: Ottumwa
Current Status: Iowa State Penitentiary
Date of Crime: July 25, 1994
Tentative Discharge Date: Life
Victim: Jeremy Allen
An increased animosity developed between Michael Patrick Leon Coffman, 16, and Jeremy Allen, 15, evidenced by frequent verbal threats beginning the weekend before the shooting at Ottumwa High School. During the preceding weekend, the boys had argued over Michael’s treatment of a girl.
Angela Grimes, who monitored a call Jeremy made to Michael testified that Michael said to Jeremy, “I’ll shoot you.” No other threats were made during that call. On Monday, July 25, 1994, two days after the call, Michael took a loaded .22-caliber revolver to school. During the day, Michael showed the gun to several students and indicated he would shoot Jeremy if Jeremy “messed” with him.
The tension further escalated in their driver’s education class. Witnesses testified that Jeremy grabbed Michael and asked to see his gun. Michael reportedly asked Jeremy on which side of the head he wanted to be shot. Several witnesses said Jeremy grabbed Michael and told him, “You’re dead after class.” After class, Jeremy followed Michael into the hallway and repeatedly pushed him against the wall and kept asking him where the gun was. Numerous witnesses testified Michael was the one who suggested they “take it outside,” where the shooting occurred. Michael told one witness earlier that this was his ultimate plan.
Michael waited for Jeremy to emerge from the school building. He did not flee which would have been an alternative course of action. Michael testified that he heard the door open and Jeremy yell, “Michael, I’ve got something for you.” No one who heard this claimed to hear any reference to a gun. After hearing his name called by Jeremy, Michael simply turned and shot Jeremy, once, then again. There was no testimony that he hesitated.
Angela Grimes, who monitored a call Jeremy made to Michael testified that Michael said to Jeremy, “I’ll shoot you.” No other threats were made during that call. On Monday, July 25, 1994, two days after the call, Michael took a loaded .22-caliber revolver to school. During the day, Michael showed the gun to several students and indicated he would shoot Jeremy if Jeremy “messed” with him.
The tension further escalated in their driver’s education class. Witnesses testified that Jeremy grabbed Michael and asked to see his gun. Michael reportedly asked Jeremy on which side of the head he wanted to be shot. Several witnesses said Jeremy grabbed Michael and told him, “You’re dead after class.” After class, Jeremy followed Michael into the hallway and repeatedly pushed him against the wall and kept asking him where the gun was. Numerous witnesses testified Michael was the one who suggested they “take it outside,” where the shooting occurred. Michael told one witness earlier that this was his ultimate plan.
Michael waited for Jeremy to emerge from the school building. He did not flee which would have been an alternative course of action. Michael testified that he heard the door open and Jeremy yell, “Michael, I’ve got something for you.” No one who heard this claimed to hear any reference to a gun. After hearing his name called by Jeremy, Michael simply turned and shot Jeremy, once, then again. There was no testimony that he hesitated.
Source: FindLaw