(Estherville)– A jury has been seated in the 1st degree murder trial of CeJay Van Der Wilt, one of two people charged in the October, 2021 death of David McDowell of Estherville, who’s body was found along a rural Emmet county road.
In opening statements, prosecuting attorney Maureen Hughes of the State Attorney General’s Office told jurors Van Der Wilt and another defendant in the case, Connor Ude, lured McDowell to an apartment and that he was then taken to a location five miles outside of Estherville where he was shot in the neck. Hughes added Van Der Wilt wanted to kill McDowell out of retribution for McDowell calling authorities following an assault.
Defense attorney Mike Adams told jurors to be open minded, arguing the state doesn’t have sufficient evidence to prove its case.
Connor Ude has pleaded guilty to reduced charges in the case in exchange for testifying against Van Der Wilt.
The state will begin presenting its case Wednesday.
