PENNINGTON COUNTY, MN (trfnews.i234.me)—Eric James Reinbold Appeals Murder Conviction – Argues Ineffective Counsel & Alternate Suspects
Minnesota – February 2025
Eric James Reinbold, convicted of murdering his wife Lissette Reinbold in 2021, is appealing his 40-year sentence. His attorney, Christopher Cadem, argued before a panel of judges that Reinbold’s original defense was ineffective, citing:
Missed Insanity Defense: His prior attorney, Bruce Rivers, allegedly failed to pursue an insanity plea despite Reinbold’s documented history of mental illness and suspected psychosis.
Alternative Suspects: Cadem argued that three other individuals could have committed the crime, contradicting the prosecution’s claim that they had no motive or an alibi.
Aggravating Factors Dispute: The defense also challenged the aggravated nature of the crime, which contributed to Reinbold’s maximum 40-year sentence.
Prosecution Response:
Assistant Attorney General Peter Magnuson countered that Reinbold’s alternative perpetrator theory was “pure speculation” and that the court was justified in denying an insanity defense hearing.
A ruling is expected within 90 days, per court procedure.
I’m Chris Harper, reporting for TRFNews