ND Supreme Court hears Pendleton appeal

The North Dakota Supreme Court heard oral arguments today (Tuesday) in the appeal of Salamah Pendleton.

Pendleton was convicted in the May 2020 shooting death of Grand Forks officer Cody Holte – and his own mother Lola Moore.

Defense Attorney Kiara Krauss-Parr told the justices the lower court created a structural error denying Pendleton’s right to a public trial by holding courtroom discussion in the hallway – away from recordings or a court reporter.  Parr also argued that Pendleton had the right to be personally present during the entire jury selection.  In written arguments she raised the issue of jury misconduct.

Assistant Grand Forks State’s Attorney Ashlei Neufeld countered by saying there were no structural errors – and any side conversations were clarified when the court was back on the record.

Pendleton was convicted by a jury of firing at officers while they were serving eviction papers at his south Grand Forks apartment.  He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

The state’s high court took the case under advisement.