Wheels of justice churn slowly

PALMER— A year-and-a-half after Palmer teen David Grunwald’s body was found near Knik Road, fellow teen Erick Almandinger is set for trial on Monday, May 14, 2018 for Grunwald’s murder. The Palmer Courthouse is sure to fill up quick with several Mat-Su Valley residents and members of the media for one of the most rattling murder cases many out here have seen in years.

Jury selection began Thursday and concluded Friday.

Almandinger is one of four teens charged with the kidnapping and murdering Grunwald. Almandinger is being tried separately from Austin Barrett, Dominic Johnson, Bradley Renfro.

There’s a total of five teens alleged to be involved with Grunwald’s murder in 2016. The fifth suspect, Devin Peterson changed his plea to guilty for evidence tampering and hindering prosecution in January. More specifically, Peterson admitted guilt to hiding the guns used to pistol whip and ultimately kill Grunwald. He also admitted to providing two cans of gasoline to Almandinger so that he could burn Grunwald’s vehicle, miles from the point where authorities ultimately found the Palmer youth’s body.

The other three have yet to have their trial dates solidified, and the outcome of Almandinger’s trial will undoubtedly affect their cases.

Edie Grunwald and her husband, Ben have attended nearly every court event for those accused in their son’s death.

“We’re all anticipating the jury to do a good job,” Edie said.

Grunwald said she is hopeful for a just verdict and sees this coming week as a positive step forward, although she will “never get closure.”

“I think things will work out no matter what. It’s not closure – more of moving onto the next thing,” Edie said.