Medical examiner testifies in Cave trial

Testimony in the murder trial of Janelle Cave, 22, Jamestown, centered on forensics today. Dr. William Massello, forensic examiner for the North Dakota crime lab, testified in Southeast District Court in the fourth day of prosecution testimony in the case.

Cave and Leron Lee Howard, 34, Jamestown, are accused of murder and criminal conspiracy in the death of Abdi Ali Ahmed on April 30, 2011. Howard will face trial on Aug. 7. Massello testified that Ahmed had injuries on both sides of his head causing massive brain injury which likely would have been fatal even with medical attention. The injuries could have come from two blows to the head or from one blow and Ahmed striking his head as he fell.

Massello also testified to two knife wounds to the abdomen and cuts he characterized as “defensive wounds” to the arms. One of the knife wounds was characterized as potentially life-threatening if not treated.

North Dakota Crime Lab employees Alexandria Gibbs, forensic scientist, and Jennifer Penner, DNA analysis testified that blood spots on clothes and shoes identified as belonging to Howard but found in a Dumpster behind an apartment building belonged to Ahmed.

Prosecution testimony will continue in the afternoon with Penner expected to continue her testimony.

Both charges are Class AA felonies punishable by up to life in prison without parole.

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

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