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Self-defense, says man accused of murder, attempted murder

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January 9th, 2019 by Ric Hanson

OTTUMWA, Iowa (AP) — An Ottumwa man accused of murder and attempted murder plans to claim self-defense at his trial. Wapello County District Court records say the attorney for 19-year-old Jacob Heckethorn filed notices last week, as required by Iowa law whenever self-defense will be claimed. Heckethorn has pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder in the Aug. 23 slaying of William Shettlesworth. He’s also pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted murder. Police say he shot at but missed Dustin Greene on Aug. 23 in Ottumwa and shot Clifford Collett Sr. on Aug. 16 in Ottumwa.