(Spirit Lake)– Judge Shane Mayer this (Wed.) morning heard testimony from some additional witnesses as part of a defense motion seeking a new trial for Allison Decker. Decker was convicted of 1st degree murder in the death of Angel Bastman of Lake Park following a bench trial this past spring. Among those testifying was Broderick Westbrook of Jefferson, South Dakota who was an acquaintance of Decker. Westbrook signed an affidavit following Decker’s trial saying he had additional information in the case. Defense attorney Ned Bjornstad asked Westbrook about a statement he had obtained from another acquaintance, Tia Lovegreen, who also knows Decker and co-defendant, Justice Berntson…
Susan Krisko with the Iowa Attorney General’s Office, who’s representing the state in the case, asked Westbrook if he attempted to coerce Lovegreen into making the statement…
The judge also today (Wed.) heard testimony from Karina Schneider who stated she had been in a relationship with Berntson and that his behavior was very erratic when he was using methamphetamine, adding their relationship became physical. Under cross examination by the state, reference was made to a postcard Schneider sent to Berntson when he was in jail saying she had fond memories of some of the time she had spent with him.
The judge took the additional testimony under advisement, indicating a written ruling on whether or not a new trial will be granted will be forthcoming.
