DES MOINES, Iowa (WHO) – Both members of an Indianola couple accused of kidnapping and assaulting a Des Moines woman have now pleaded not guilty in the case.
Jordan Mangum, 40, entered a written plea of not guilty Monday to charges of first-degree kidnapping and willful injury. Jessica Wheeler, 34, entered a not-guilty plea earlier this month on the same charges.
According to court documents, Mangum and Wheeler went to the Des Moines home of Mangum’s ex-girlfriend in the early morning hours of December 2, 2023 and abducted her. The victim was taken to an Indianola residence where she was held against her will. The couple then drove the victim to a location outside of Indianola where she told investigators Mangum choked her, ran her over with a vehicle, and slashed her throat.
Criminal complaints filed in the case say Wheeler aided and abetted Mangum in the abduction.
The victim was dropped off in the street outside of the Clark County Hospital just after 8:00 p.m. the same day she was abducted.
Mangum and Wheeler are both being held in the Polk County Jail. They are scheduled to go to trial in the case on March 11, 2024.