Sentencing for final two defendants in Grunwald murder trial set for June

WASILLA — The final two defendants in the David Grunwald murder trial, Erick Almandinger and Bradley Renfro are scheduled to go to trial in June.

Almandinger, Renfro, Dominic Johnson, and Austin Barrett have all been found guilty of Grunwald’s savage beating and pistol-whipping, kidnapping, and subsequent murder on the night of Nov. 13, 2016.

Grunwald was attacked in a trailer on the Almandinger family’s property in the Palmer area, forced into his own Ford Bronco, and driven up Knik River Road where he was shot in the head and died. Grunwald’s Bronco was burned in Wasilla that same evening.

Both Almandinger and Renfro’s sentences have been delayed due to matters involving psychological evaluations and expert witnesses. Proceedings were further exacerbated by the pandemic.

Almandinger was the first of the four defendants to be convicted in May of 2018. The jury found him guilty on all counts, including kidnapping, assault, and murder.

Edie and Ben Grunwald have cycled through the Palmer Courthouse for over five years waiting for all four defendants to be sentenced.

“I know this is a little bit of an abnormal time but at the same time, Almandinger was the first one convicted and they haven’t sentenced him yet,” Edie said. “It’s kind of ridiculous but I’m sure there’s other cases that are dealing with similar situations. I’m sure the courts are all backed up. We’re understanding of that.”

Almandinger’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 15 through June 17. Renfro’s sentencing is scheduled for June 21 through June 23.

“We’ll see if this one really happens. I guess we’ll just cross our fingers. In the meantime, we’re still here. We’re not holding our breath but it has to happen at some point,” Edie said.

Edie said that her sister, Cheri Ruiz, and their mother are both moving to Alaska. She said they’ve been vital sources of support throughout the painful process, particularly her sister.

“If it weren’t for her I don’t know how we would’ve made it,” Edie said.

The Justice for David Grunwald Facebook page currently has over 13,000 followers. Edie said the steadfast support from the community has been very encouraging.

“It just keeps growing,” Edie said. “Everybody that is on there, they’re super involved, supportive, praying, and all want justice.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com