Nov 17, 2007 - 07:41:24 CST
A timeline of events relating to the slaying of Mindy Morgenstern, and the subsequent prosecution of Moe Gibbs for murder:n Sept. 13, 2006 - The body of Mindy Morgenstern, 22, a New Salem native and Valley City State University student, is found in her Valley City apartment. A belt is wrapped around her neck, and she has been stabbed in the neck with two different knives.
n Sept. 20, 2006 - Moe Maurice Gibbs, 34, who works at the Barnes County Jail, is arrested for Morgenstern's murder after a police interview. Investigators had found Gibbs' DNA on the fingernails of Morgenstern's left hand, and on the front of her bloodied shirt. Gibbs was formerly known as Glen Dale Morgan Jr., but changed his name in August 2005.
n Oct. 26, 2006 - Gibbs pleads not guilty to the murder charge. Separately, he is charged with six counts of sexual contact with female inmates while he worked as a Barnes County jailer from May through September.
n Nov. 13, 2006 - Gibbs pleads not guilty to a June 2004 rape charge in Fargo. Gibbs was linked to the rape by a DNA analysis.
n Spring 2007 - Motivated by the Gibbs case, the state Legislature approves tougher criminal background check requirements for corrections workers and other professions.
n April 27, 2007 - Gibbs' wife, Christina Judd, is granted an annulment. The couple had married the previous June. Judd later testifies as a prosecution witness in Gibbs' trial.
n June 19, 2007 - Jury selection begins for Gibbs' trial. Despite media protests, Southeast District Judge John Paulson closes the courtroom while attorneys question potential jurors.
n June 27, 2007 - Attorneys give opening arguments. Brad Cruff, the Barnes County state's attorney, and Jonathan Byers, an assistant attorney general, handle the prosecution's case, while defense lawyers Jeff Bredahl and Dennis Fisher represent Gibbs.
n July 9, 2007 - Gibbs' case goes to the jury at 3:46 p.m. Two female alternates are dismissed, leaving a jury of seven women and five men.
n July 11, 2007 - Paulson closes the courtroom for a session with the jurors, Gibbs and attorneys for both sides, at which the judge apparently asks jurors if they are deadlocked. In a public session afterward, Paulson says a majority of jurors have indicated they are "making progress" toward a verdict.
n July 12, 2007 - Jurors send Paulson a handwritten note at noon, telling him they are at an impasse. Paulson announces the stalemate at 1:23 p.m. and dismisses the jury, ending the trial.
n Sept. 6, 2007- Judge reaffirms his decision to postpone the trial of Gibbs involving the alleged assault of Barnes County jail inmates until after Gibbs' murder trial.
n Oct. 22, 2007 - Jury selection begins in the second Gibbs murder trial in the Burleigh County Courthouse. The judge and lawyers are the same for the second trial.
n Oct. 29, 2007 - Jury seated in the trial and opening arguments begin.
n Nov. 1, 2007 - Gibbs surprises everyone in the courtroom by asking Paulson for new attorneys. The courtroom is cleared and the trial resumes later with the same attorneys representing Gibbs.
n Nov. 9 - The prosecution and defense both rest in the Gibbs trial.
n Nov. 13 - Closing arguments are presented and the jury gets their instructions.
n Nov. 16 - Jury returns guilty verdict after almost 27 hours of deliberation.
- Staff reports and Associated Press
Stanley wrote on Nov 17, 2007 6:54 PM:
KATZ wrote on Nov 17, 2007 6:43 PM:
ND Transplant wrote on Nov 17, 2007 9:13 AM:
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