MINOT – Several witnesses followed opening statements Tuesday in the murder trial of Darrion Jackson, 33, Fargo. Jackson is charged with felony AA murder in the shooting death of Timothy Smith, 38, Minot.
According to a statement of facts filed with the court, Minot Police were called to the Vegas Motel shortly before midnight on January 30, 2023, for a report of a shooting. Responding officers discovered a victim lying face down in a second-floor hallway. Police say Jackson called Central Dispatch and stated he shot the male. Jackson was taken into custody at another motel nearby. He later told police he exchanged words with a man who came to his motel room door and shot him.
Initial witnesses Tuesday included a maintenance worker who heard a gunshot and then someone yelling, “I told you not to come around here again,” followed by additional gunshots.
A Minot Police officer who was first on the scene said he initially found a 9-millimeter shell casing and then four more when approaching the body. He concluded Smith was shot once and fell and “then shot multiple times after that.”
The trial is being heard in front of North Central District Judge Stacy Louser. It is expected to last into next week.
