Opening arguments heard in Cave's murder trial in Jamestown

A jury of 10 men and four women heard opening arguments today in Southeast District Court in the murder trial of Janelle Cave, 22, Jamestown. Cave is accused of murder and criminal conspiracy in the death of Abdi Ali Ahmed, 18, Jamestown, in April 2011.

Fritz Fremgen, Stutsman County state’s attorney, presented the basic information of the case to the jury.

“I want to orient you to the case,” he said. “Abdi was beaten, stabbed and left to die about 5 a.m. April 30.”

David Ogren, court-appointed defense attorney, said the case was a matter of responsibility.

“Not a question of what happened but who is responsible,” he said. “Miss Cave did not have anything to do with the physical injuries to the victim.”

Testimony in the case is scheduled to get under way at 9 a.m. Wednesday. The trial is expected to last for about seven more days.

Sun reporter Keith Norman can be reached at 701-952-8452 or by email at knorman@jamestownsun.com

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