A recent transplant to Missoula from New York City. People always think I must be having serious culture shock, but when it all comes down to it this is exactly the change I was looking for. New York will always be in my blood, but I am proud to call Montana my home.
Greg Baird
Vote Now For Billings’ Cutest Baby
It's time to vote for Billings' Cutest Baby. Vote now until Sunday, April 19. You can vote once per every 12 hours and can increase the odds of your favorite baby by sharing this poll with everyone your friends and family!
The top three babies will win these fantastic prizes courtesy of Kobold Auto Sales:
1st place: $250 in cash & gift cards
2nd place: $150 cash
3rd place: $100 cash
But there’
UPDATE – Markus Kaarma Speaks, Emotional Testimony from Diren Dede’s Parents [YouTube]
The day after Markus Kaarma was found guilty of deliberate homicide, three people who were silent throughout the trial were finally heard, including Kaarma himself.
UPDATE – Markus Kaarma Found Guilty of Deliberate Homicide With Video Reaction [YouTube]
Markus Kaarma was found guilty of the deliberate homicide of German exchange student Diren Dede in Missoula on Wednesday afternoon.
UPDATE – Closing Arguments in the Markus Kaarma Trial [YouTube]
Closing arguments began on the eighth day of the Markus Kaarma trial in Missoula. Prosecution focused on proving that Kaarma had intent to kill any potential burglars in his house based on his actions in the days leading up to the fatal shooting of Diren Dede. Defense emphasized that jurors must have absolutely no doubt in order to find Kaarma guilty.
Defense Rests in Markus Kaarma Case [YouTube]
The defense rested this morning in the trial of Markus Kaarma with testimony from Dr. Douglas Johnson, a forensic consultant specializing in responses to stress. Defense also showed the jury video of Kaarma in the police station before his formal interview and after he was formally charged with deliberate homicide in the shooting death of German exchange student Diren Dede.
Defense Accuses Missoula Police of Failures in Markus Kaarma Investigation
The defense presented its first witness on the sixth day of the trial of Markus Kaarma, who has been accused of deliberate homicide in the fatal shooting of Diren Dede, a German foreign exchange student who entered Kaarma's garage on the night of April 27, 2014. He was there to testify to failures on the part of the Missoula Police Department in their investigation of the shooting, but ended up de
Diren Dede’s Host Family Gives Emotional Testimony in Markus Kaarma Trial
Randy Smith, who hosted German exchange student Diren Dede along with his wife Kate Walker, took the stand to give emotional testimony about his time with Diren and the events of the fateful night Diren was fatally shot in Markus Kaarma's garage.
Detective Testifies to Discrepancies in Initial Statements from Markus Kaarma
Detective Richard Dean Chrestenson, who led interviews with Markus Kaarma, Janelle Pflager, and Robby Pazmino (the teen who was with Diren Dede), testified today about discrepancies in Kaarma's initial statement that led to him being charged with Dede's murder. Kaarma had claimed self defense. Debate over whether or not Dede had a light source in the garage also took center stage.
Neighbor Told Janelle Pflager About Stand Your Ground Defense Days Before Shooting
The man who lived next door to Markus Kaarma and Janelle Pflager on the night of the shooting testified that Janelle Pflager asked him about Montana gun laws on or about April 22, leading to a brief discussion of the Stand Your Ground defense. Five days later, Markus Kaarma fatally shot German exchange student Diren Dede, who was trespassing in his garage.
Kaarma Neighbors Refute Accusations of Bias [YouTube]
Testimony in the Markus Kaarma trial heated up this afternoon with the testimony of Leslie Wozniak and Terry Klise, as the defense ramped up accusations of bias against Markus Kaarma.