MINOT – A murder case that has been in the court system for three years is approaching culmination – perhaps.
Shawnee Krall, 30, Minot, is charged with AA felony murder in the death of Alice Queirolo, 29, Minot, in December 2020. However, due to the illegal gathering of evidence, the case has become one of the most unusual in the history of the court.
North-Central District Judge Stacy Louser earlier ruled out evidence discovered by Minot Police, primarily Queirolo’s body found in the trunk of a vehicle, without a warrant. Louser’s ruling was appealed to the North Dakota Supreme Court and upheld, meaning the State would have to proceed with the murder case without having a body as evidence of a death.
At a Motion Hearing held Friday several aspects of the case were discussed. Foremost was the State’s desire to compel testimony from a witness who works outside of Minot. Under questioning from Judge Louser the State “reluctantly” withdrew the request for a deposition. Louser signed an order denying the State’s motion.
Louser also reminded the State and defense attorney Stormy Vickers, Fargo, that other evidence ruled out by court included a second search of Krall’s residence, Krall’s DNA, and certain content obtained from a second search of two cell phones owned by Krall, along with certain communications discovered on the victim’s phone.
The State had requested the court to allow a witness in the upcoming trial, a neurologist, to be considered an “expert.” Louser questioned whether the State would be using the testimony as a “back door” to establish the finding of the victim’s body.
“Frankly, I’m troubled. This case is already three years old,” Louser told Assistant State’s Attorney Tiffany Sorgen. “You are dangerously close to an area you, perhaps, don’t want to go. The State has to prove the death and that Mr. Krall did it.”
Noting lengthy delays, Louser questioned whether the State had been as “aggressive and diligent” as it should be in the prosecution of the case.
Krall’s trial is scheduled to begin January 2, 2024. Louser said a 12-person jury would be chosen from a pool of 100 and would include three alternates.
Vickers raised the possibility that the defense may seek to have the trial moved out of Minot.
“We’re concerned about the venue,” said Vickers.
Security has been beefed up for Krall’s appearances. There were four Sheriff’s Deputies in the courtroom Friday. Krall has had several altercations inside the jail and numerous threats have been documented.
Louser addressed the issue with the court, saying any outbursts in the courtroom would result in the person or persons being “immediately escorted out whether it be from the gallery or counsel table.”
Citing the numerous issues to resolve prior to the start of the trial, Louser set aside a full day for a Criminal Hearing beginning at 10 a.m. December 28.
