Cherokee, Iowa (KTIV) – The trial for a Northwest Iowa man accused of first-degree murder has been pushed back.
Court documents show 66-year-old, Richard Hammond was originally supposed to face a trial this past Tuesday, March 10th, 2026, but the trial date has been pushed back to September 22nd, 2026.
The trial was pushed back due to Hammond receiving a new defense attorney. More time was requested so the new attorney could prepare, which the court approved.
Hammond was arrested and charged with murder after allegedly running over 47-year-old Christopher Wheeler of Sutherland on April 21st, 2025, at a barn east of Cherokee.
Days prior to the suspected murder, authorities say Hammond’s phone was allegedly pinged going past the farm area over 20 times.
On June 30th, 2025, the warrant was issued for Hammond’s arrest. He was originally taken into custody on July 1st, 2025.
Along with his first-degree murder charge, Hammond has also been charged with stalking- violation of a protective order and one count of contempt – violation of a contact/protective order.
