A Stearns County Judge Sentences a Paynesville Woman to 22 Years in Prison for Murdering Her Disabled Daughter

Elise Nelson

ST. CLOUD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Stearns County judge has sentenced a Paynesville woman to nearly 22 years in prison for murdering her disabled daughter. The child had chronic respiratory failure and severe developmental delay from birth. Elise Nelson was found guilty of one count of second-degree intentional murder after pleading guilty earlier. Her sentencing… Continue reading A Stearns County Judge Sentences a Paynesville Woman to 22 Years in Prison for Murdering Her Disabled Daughter

Judge Declares “Mistrial” in Pembina County Rape Case

Judge Rules “Mistrial” In Pembina County Rape Case CAVALIER, ND (trfnews.i234.me) A Judge has ruled “mistrial” in the rape case against a Cavalier, North Dakota man. It remains to be seen whether or not the entire case will be dismissed.

Judge Rejects Plea Deal in Jamestown Fentanyl Overdose Case Involving 2-Year-Old

Christopher William Johnson

JAMESTOWN, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A Jamestown man, Christopher William Johnson, 40, faces multiple felony charges after his 2-year-old child overdosed on fentanyl. On Sept. 18, a judge rejected Johnson’s plea deal, leaving him to face trial on Oct. 1. Johnson is charged with endangerment of a child (Class B felony), reckless endangerment, possession of drug… Continue reading Judge Rejects Plea Deal in Jamestown Fentanyl Overdose Case Involving 2-Year-Old

Judge Upholds Conviction of Minnesota Woman Involved in Grisly 1997 Murder

Jamie Dennis-Gianakos

MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – A Minnesota judge has ruled against a motion to overturn the murder conviction of Jamie Dennis-Gianakos, a woman who pleaded guilty to her role in the brutal 1997 murder of babysitter Anne-Marie Camp. Gianakos, sentenced to 25 years in prison, is currently on supervised release until October. Gianakos sought to have… Continue reading Judge Upholds Conviction of Minnesota Woman Involved in Grisly 1997 Murder

Moorhead Woman Charged with Murder, Tells Police: “I Would Kill Him Again”

Connie Jo Frank

MOORHEAD, Minn. (trfnews.i234.me) – Connie Jo Frank, 47, is being held on a $2 million bail without conditions, or a $100,000 cash bail with conditions, after being charged with second-degree murder for the fatal stabbing of her on-and-off boyfriend, 47-year-old Willard DeGroat Jr. The incident occurred early Sunday morning at 1025 3rd Avenue North in… Continue reading Moorhead Woman Charged with Murder, Tells Police: “I Would Kill Him Again”

Judge Orders Second Mental Health Evaluation for Thief River Falls Murder Defendant

Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera

Thief River Falls, MN (trfnews.i234.me) – Judge Tamara Yon has granted a state motion for a second mental health evaluation of Jorge Luis Benitez-Estremera, 33, who is facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder and second-degree murder. Benitez-Estremera is accused of intentionally killing 61-year-old Steven Opdahl on May 9, 2023, outside DigiKey in Thief River Falls.… Continue reading Judge Orders Second Mental Health Evaluation for Thief River Falls Murder Defendant

Judge Kirk B. Smith, – Obituary

Retired Judge Kirk B. Smith, formerly of Grand Forks, ND, died peacefully on Monday, July 8, 2024, in SMP Health-St. Catherine’s North, Fargo, ND. He was 94 years old. Kirk Berton Smith was born February 5, 1930, in Cogswell, ND, to Harry and Adeline (McCauley) Smith. He grew up on a farm in Sargent County,… Continue reading Judge Kirk B. Smith, – Obituary

Judge Dismisses Trump Classified Documents Case, Citing Unlawful Appointment of Special Counsel

Florida (trfnews.i234.me) – A U.S. judge in Florida on Monday dismissed the criminal case accusing Donald Trump of illegally keeping classified documents after leaving office, handing the Republican former president another major legal victory as he seeks a return to the White House. U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon, who was appointed to the bench by… Continue reading Judge Dismisses Trump Classified Documents Case, Citing Unlawful Appointment of Special Counsel