All 5 plead not guilty

PALMER — The five individuals allegedly involved with the Nov. 13 kidnapping and murder of 16-year old David Grunwald of Palmer appeared in Palmer Superior Court Tuesday before a standing-room only courtroom. Sixteen-year old Erick Almandinger, Bradley J. Renfro, Dominic Johnson, and Devin Peterson; along with 19-year old Austin B. Barrett, were arraigned before Judge Kari Kristiansen Tuesday morning.

It took about as long to get everyone settled in the courtroom as it did for Kristiansen to go through the details on each teen. All five were brought in as a group and sat quietly as Kristiansen addressed each. All were represented by a public defender and not guilty pleas were entered on behalf of each.

Almandinger, Renfro, Johnson and Barrett were arraigned on: one count of first-degree murder, one count of kidnapping, two counts of second-degree murder, felony murder and first-degree tampering with evidence. With the exception of Barrett, the other three were also arraigned on first-degree tampering with evidence. Peterson’s arraignment included three counts of first-degree tampering with evidence and one count of first-degree hindering prosecution.

An affidavit implicating Almandinger was made public Dec. 3. That document detailed how police came to suspect Almandinger’s involvement and eventually led police to Barrett, Johnson and Peterson. Because the other four were indicted, as opposed to Almandinger who admitted involvement in the case, Palmer District Attorney Roman Kalytiak said investigating officers’ affidavits will not be forthcoming. No details on the other four’s alleged involvement has been released to the public.

A multi-count Dec. 9 grand jury indictment stated , Almandinger, Renfro, Johnson, and Barrett as principals or accomplices, “ ...intentionally caused the death of David Grunwald... restrained David Grunwald with intent to inflict physical injury...or place (Grunwald) in apprehension that he will be subjected to physical injury...with intent to cause serious physical injury...knowing that (such action) was substantially certain to cause death or serious injury...caused (Grunwald’s death)...knowigly engaged in conduct that resulted in (Grunwald’s death) under circumstances manifesting an extreme indifference to the value of human life...and (kidnapped Grunwald) in the course of or furtherance of...or immediate flight from that crime...caused (Grunwald’s death)”, in addition to the evidence tampering count.

Concerning Peterson, the grand jury alleged he was involved in hiding the 9mm pistol police believe to be the gun that killed Grunwald. When Alaska State Troopers discovered the body Dec. 2 on a trail off Knik River Road, the affidavit stated Grunwald had been shot once and a 9mm casing was found nearby. The State Medical Examiner’s office later confirmed cause of death. The indictment also alleges Peterson did the same with a .40 caliber pistol.

Count three is related to Peterson’s alleged involvement in burning Grunwald’s vehicle the night he went missing. Several hours after Grunwald’s mother contacted police, Grunwald’s torched Bronco was found on a trail north of Wasilla. The fourth count against Peterson alleges his involvement in rendering assistance to at least one of the other four indicted.

All are scheduled for mid-January 2017 pre-trial hearings and mid-February trials in Palmer Superior Court. All remain lodged at Mat-Su Pretrial Facility. With the exception of Peterson, bail was denied. Peterson’s bail remains set at $100,000 plus court-appointed third party (CATP).