Algona man sentenced to life in prison for murder of police officer

ALGONA, Iowa (KEYC) – Nearly a year after Police Officer Kevin Cram lost his life, 44-year-old Kyle Lou Rickie has been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

This is the mandatory punishment for first-degree murder in Iowa.

“I am very sorry for what happened that night. Every night I pray for forgiveness from the family. I deeply regret the pain and suffering I have caused them and I pray that one day they can forgive me for my terrible actions.”

Rickie shot and killed police officer Cram last September when the officer tried to arrest him on an outstanding warrant.

Ricke was found guilty last month by a jury in Dickinson County, where his trial was moved.

Rickie was also ordered to pay Officer Cram's widow $150,000.

“Your youngest son is the same age as ours. Every time he talks to you and tells you he loves you, wishes you Happy Father's Day or Merry Christmas, I want you to think of our son who will never be able to speak to his father again.”

Officer Cram was shot on September 13, 2023 while attempting to execute an arrest warrant. After shooting Cram, Ricke fled the scene and cordoned off the Algona area.

Rickie was arrested around midnight near Sleepy Eye.

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