Status hearing for Almandinger; trial still set for May

PALMER —There was a status hearing for Erick Almandinger, one of the five teens suspected in the death of David Grunwald late in 2016. Almandinger is being tried separately from the other teens accused.

Judge Gregory Heath phoned in while Almandinger, his defense attorney, Jon Iannaccone and District Attorney, Roman Kalytiak attended the hearing in person. Heath stated that Almandinger’s trial would “definitely” be in May and is looking to hold it during the first week of the month.

The hearing was brief. Heath and both attorneys attempted to coordinate each other’s schedules and discuss some of the numerous supplemental readings, inducing a motion from the defense to assign questionnaires to prior jurors. Kalytiak said that he questioned how relevant to the questionnaires would be for the case.

“I don’t think there’s a real scientific need,” Kalytiak said.

Heath stated the he will review the supplemental readings and take a “hard look” at the idea of the questionnaires. Both Kalytiak and Iannaccone agreed to return to court in May to bring in jurors for the selection process. It was apparent the court and both attorneys wanted to have “full days.”

The trial is expected to take anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks, the judge said.