Day 3 of jury selection in Pendleton trial (updated)

Update:  2:00 p.m.

Opening arguments were presented this afternoon (Thursday) in the Grand Forks murder trial of 42-year old Salamah Pendleton.

Prosecutor Carmell Mattison told the jury that testimony and body cam video will be “strong evidence” showing the defendant fired the fatal shots that killed 61-year Lola Moore and 29-year old Officer Cody Holte.  In addition ballistic experts will testify that bullet fragments are consistent with the defendant’s ammunition.  Mattison added the defendant placed others in fear and danger by his actions.

Pendleton is accused of firing at law enforcement officers who had gone to his south Grand Forks apartment to serve eviction papers in May of last year.

Defense Attorney Steven Mottinger told the court that some studies show 80% of jurors make up their mind during opening statements.  He asked the jury to remember the oath they took – and to give his client a fair trial by listening to all the evidence in the case.  Mottinger also stated that unless something unforeseen happens the jury will hear from Mr. Pendleton adding “he has a story to tell and he wants to tell it.”

The 12 jurors – and two alternatives – were seated this morning following two plus days of questioning by the defense and prosecution.

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update:  10:00 a.m.

A jury has been seated for the trial of a man accused of killing his mother and a Grand Forks police officer. 42-year old Salamah Pendleton is charged with among other things two counts of murder.
The 12 jurors and two alternatives were approved by the defense and prosecution and administered an oath by the court this morning.
Judge Don Hager thanks those who were not selected to serve telling them that this case is important to the system…Mr. Pendleton…and the community.
Judge Hager told jurors not to form any conclusions…research the case…talk to anyone about the testimony…and to stay away from the news media during the trial.
Pendleton is accused of killing 61-year-old Lola Moore and Officer Cody Holte. The 29-year-old officer was killed during a shootout with law enforcement officers who had gone to his apartment to service eviction papers in May of last year.
Next up are the opening arguments by both sides in a trial that could run 2-3 weeks.

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original story

The process of seating a jury in the Salamah Pendleton murder trial continues today (Thursday) in Grand Forks.

With two days in the books many prospective jurors have been dismissed after telling the court that they would have a hard time being impartial in the case.

Pendleton is accused of killing Grand Forks Police Officer Cody Holte in a south side apartment shootout in May of last year.  If the defense and prosecution can agree on the jury this morning – opening arguments could begin as soon as this afternoon.

Judge Don Hager has told prospective jurors that the trial could run 2-3 weeks.