Starting testimony in Howard murder trial centers on his relationship with witness

The first testimony in the Leron Howard murder trial centered on how well he knew one of the witnesses and if they had previous dealings in marijuana.

Howard, 34, Jamestown, is charged with murder and criminal conspiracy in the April 30, 2011, death of Abdi Ali Ahmed. Ahmed died of blunt-force head trauma but was also stabbed.

The charges are Class AA felonies punishable by life in prison without parole. The jury trial is proceeding in Southeast District Court in Jamestown with Judge Thomas E. Merrick presiding.

Delmonte Jones testified that at about 5 a.m. on April 30, 2011, Howard and Janelle Cave came to his rural home near Spiritwood, N.D., asking if they could dispose of a body in his well. He said he did not believe them and sent them away.

Cave was convicted of manslaughter and criminal conspiracy in the case in February. She is currently serving an 11-year sentence.

During cross-examination Steve Mottinger, court-appointed defense counsel, asked Jones repeatedly if he had sold marijuana to Howard or Cave.

In each instance, Jones replied, “No sir.”

Mottinger also asked about a trip Jones, Howard and others took to Montana and whether marijuana was purchased.

Jones said the group went to buy shoes and clothes in Montana but could not recall the name of the city or the mall where they shopped.

The case continues this afternoon.

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