As first reported by Matt Henson of WDAY, the murder trial of Donald “DJ” Bartlette began Tuesday in Grand Forks with prosecutors and defense attorneys presenting vastly different accounts of how his friend Tony Kiehl died last October. Prosecutors say the 46-year-old Bartlette brutally beat Kiehl to death at Cherry Heights apartments and could face life in prison if convicted.
Defense attorney Sam Gerezek argues it was a tragic accident – that Kiehl stabbed Bartlette, who admitted that he threw one punch. Gerezek argues that single punch broke Kiehl’s jaw and ruptured blood vessels, causing death. He called it “one in a million” odds.
Surveillance video shows Bartlette coming and going from the apartment for over an hour after Kiehl was last seen alive. Assistant State’s Attorney Rachel Rae Egstad noted that he sought help from a neighbor before fleeing on a bicycle, according to court documents. Kiehl’s girlfriend discovered the body later that night. Another man faces conspiracy charges in connection with the case.
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