Grand Forks Man Found Not Guilty by Insanity Defense

Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — Moses Garang Ayom Jr. has been found not guilty on all counts.

The ruling came under North Dakota’s lack of criminal responsibility standard, commonly called the insanity defense.

Ayom had faced several charges, including Class A felony attempted murder and Class B felony theft.

Other charges included aggravated assault, fleeing, reckless endangerment, reckless driving, and injuries to highways.

Case Remains Under Court Control

Although Ayom was found not guilty, the case will remain under court jurisdiction.

Grand Forks County District Court can keep jurisdiction for up to 20 years.

That period matches the maximum sentence connected to the Class A felony charge.

During the hearing, Judge Kristi Venhuizen ordered Ayom to receive treatment at the North Dakota State Hospital.

Ayom can be discharged earlier if doctors and the court determine release is appropriate.

Otherwise, he could remain at the hospital until July 1, 2046.

He will also take part in annual review hearings while under hospital custody.

Court documents say both sides agreed on the events from November 1, 2024.

Ayom stabbed a person in the back and arm at Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks.

The victim suffered life-threatening injuries but later recovered.

Court documents say Ayom fled on foot after the stabbing.

He then took a 2017 Dodge Ram valued at about $45,000.

Authorities pursued the vehicle, but Ayom did not stop.

Documents say he ran stop signs and reached speeds between 90 and 107 mph.

He also nearly struck three construction workers on the Demers Bridge.

A tire-deflation device damaged a tire, but the truck continued on the wheel rim.

The damaged vehicle also caused road damage before Ayom eventually stopped.

He was then arrested.

Court records say Dr. Mark Rodlund evaluated Ayom for criminal responsibility.

Rodlund concluded Ayom was not criminally responsible because of a mental disease or deficit.

The evaluation said Ayom was psychotic and experiencing delusions during the incident.

Rodlund said the condition seriously distorted Ayom’s ability to recognize reality.

Records state Ayom has schizophrenia and has experienced paranoid delusions.

He has received treatment, although some symptoms have continued.

The state hospital later found Ayom competent to proceed in court.

The report said he understood the case and could take part in the proceedings.

Ayom spoke briefly during the hearing.

His attorney, Stormy Vickers, said some comments reflected a continuing delusion involving the FBI.

The court also discussed Ayom’s immigration status.

Ayom is a green card holder, according to statements made during the hearing.

The judge said federal authorities will determine any immigration consequences.

Information about treatment services is available from the North Dakota State Hospital.

I’m Adrian Cole reporting for TRF News.