GRAND FORKS, N.D. – Opening arguments and witness testimony got underway Thursday afternoon in the Grand Forks murder trial of 42-year old Salamah Pendleton. He’s 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
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 29-year old Police Officer Cody Holte, and 61-year old Lola Moore, Pendleton’s mother.
Mattison emphasized the state’s reliance on photos and videos as evidence. “Many rounds, you can tell there were a lot of different weapons firing up there,” said Grand Forks Sheriff’s Deputy Blake Buchmeier. He is one of three witnesses who testified and described in great detail what he saw on May 27th, 2020.
Defense Attorney Steven Mottinger told the court that some studies show 80% of jurors make up their minds 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 said that unless something unforeseen happens the jury will hear from Mr. Pendleton as “he has a story to tell and he wants to tell it.”
Pendleton faces two counts of murder, three counts of attempted murder as well as criminal mischief, terrorizing, reckless endangerment, and possession with intent to deliver or manufacture marijuana.
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