Day two of testimony in Pendleton trial

Testimony continued today in the murder trial of 42 year old Salamah Pendleton in Grand Forks.  Pendleton is charged in the shooting death of his mother and Officer Cody Holte in May of last year.

Several members of the Grand Forks police department took the witness stand to describe what role they played in the events during and after the shootout at a south side apartment.  There was some emotional testimony when questions turned to injuries sustained by Officer Holte.

One officer described the apartment where the shooting took place as in “chaos” after the scene was secured.  “It smelled like a gun range with bullet holes everywhere and the sound of running water with the water heat being shot up.”

Residents of the apartment also testified about the number of shots fired and the fear of not knowing what was initially happening on the day in question.

Defense Attorney Steve Mottinger indicated during opening arguments that Mr. Pendleton is expected to take the stand during the trial.

The trial could take 2-3 weeks to complete.