Howard testifies he hit Ahmed

Jurors heard from Leron Howard, 35, Jamestown that he struck Abdi Ali Ahmed twice during an altercation in the early morning hours of April 30, 2012.

Howard testified in his own defense at his trial on the charges of murder and criminal conspiracy in Southeast District Court in Jamestown. He was questioned by Steve Mottinger, court-appointed attorney for Howard.

Ahmed’s body was found around noon on April 30, 2011, in a road ditch near Spiritwood. An autopsy indicated he had died of blunt force trauma to the head but also had stab wounds in the abdomen.

Howard’s testimony said that Janelle Cave, 23, Jamestown, stabbed Ahmed along the road.

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

Howard said the altercation began between Cave and Ahmed over money owed by Ahmed for drugs in a trailer home Cave shared with Howard and Alexa Stoller. Howard stepped between the pair and struck Ahmed when he thought Ahmed was intending to strike Cave.

Cross examination of Howard is scheduled for this afternoon. The case is anticipated to go to the jury Wednesday.

Murder and criminal conspiracy are Class AA felonies punishable by life in prison without parole.

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