Jurors were shown graphic video Tuesday of a fatal shooting that occurred at Minot’s Original Bar and Nightclub on May 14, 2023.
Travis McDermott, 41, Minot, charged with Manslaughter and Reckless Endangerment for his role in the shooting, hung his head while the video played on two large screens in the courtroom.
Assistant State’s Attorney Tiffany Sorgen told the court that the video showed two bright flashes of light as McDermott fired the shots resulting in the death of Greyson Sletto, 32, Willow City. Minot Police Detective Elijah Hanks, who investigated the case, said McDermott was recorded on a police car back seat camera saying, “I shouldn’t have done it.”
Hanks also testified that McDermott claimed Sletto was “on top of him and punching him” when he fired his gun. The video showed the men separated by several feet rather than engaging in a tussle on the floor of the night club. McDermott had been pushed to the ground following an exchange of words between the two men.
Hanks testified that the first shot struck Sletto in the front, “center mass,” and exited through his back. The second shot, as Sletto turned away, struck him in the lower back. Video showed Original patrons quickly subduing McDermott while others began CPR on Sletto. Sletto was pronounced dead at 2:12 a.m.
Opening statements in the trial were given Tuesday morning. The trial, scheduled to run through Friday, is being heard in front of Judge Todd Cresap.
