Grand Forks County (trfnews.i234.me) – The case of Nicholas Jon Narveson, a 27-year-old Grand Forks man accused of murdering James Erwin Jorgenson, 53, on July 4, 2024, is heading to trial, and his defense plans to argue self-defense.
Narveson is charged with Class AA felony murder, punishable by life without parole, and two Class C felonies — terrorizing and reckless endangerment with a dangerous weapon. A third charge of criminal mischief has been dismissed.
Police were called to Sledsters Food and Brew on South Fourth Street for a reported shooting. Jorgenson was found dead at the scene with a fatal neck wound. Narveson was arrested nearby without incident.
The trial is set to begin Tuesday, June 17, with jury selection from a pool of 60, and is expected to continue through June 20. Up to 65 pieces of evidence — including video footage, autopsy photos, and body cam recordings — will be presented. The defense objected to one autopsy photo, calling it “emotionally prejudicial.”
Narveson’s attorney, Sam Gereszek, confirmed they will argue self-defense in the murder charge. The prosecution disagrees with that argument for the accompanying weapons charges.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.