Closing arguments are scheduled Tuesday in the Salamah Pendleton murder trial in Grand Forks. Pendleton is accused in the shooting deaths of his mother and GFPD Officer Cody Holte.
Pendleton took the stand in his own defense today (Monday) telling the court that he thought he heard two shots ring out as law enforcement entered his apartment to serve eviction papers in May 2020. Pendleton says that’s when he went and opened his gun safe to defend himself.
He also testified that he saw his mother on the ground outside his bedroom door. He told the jury he was traumatized by the event and didn’t know what to do. He said he was aiming for the legs of the officers but his vision was impaired because he wasn’t wearing his glasses.
When asked by Defense Attorney Steve Mottinger if he intended to kill any one – Pendleton replied “I did not intend to kill anyone on that day.”
Pendleton faces two counts of murder…three counts of attempted murder… terrorizing…criminal mischief…and reckless endangerment. Both sides have rested in the case.
If convicted he could face life in prison.
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