BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) - A Bismarck man accused of using a gun to threaten his girlfriend and an older couple was experiencing “momentary anger,” his defense attorney said during opening statements.
Trial for James Vann, 32, began Wednesday, The Bismarck Tribune (https://bit.ly/2kX4ABa ) reported. If convicted, he faces a minimum sentence of two years in prison.
During her opening statement, Burleigh County Assistant State’s Attorney Marina Spahr told the story of that day through the eyes of the older couple and police. The couple told investigators that Vann threatened them with a gun outside of a U.S. Foods after his girlfriend ran to them saying a man was trying to kill her. Vann allegedly fled the scene after he couldn’t enter the store.
Police say they found Vann hours later, after he called dispatchers and allegedly said he wanted to kill his girlfriend and police. He was arrested in Wahpeton.
Vann’s defense attorney, James Loraas, argued that this was a case of “mistaken assumptions.” Loraas said Vann chased his girlfriend because he was concerned. He said Vann carried a gun with the intention to take it out of the house because of his separation from his girlfriend. He also said the threats wouldn’t have led to real actions.
“The evidence will show that he was concerned for his family, frustrated and experiencing momentary anger,” he said.
While cross-examining one of Vann’s alleged victims, 70-year-old James Sackman, Loraas asked him of his relations with African-Americans after Spahr repeatedly referred to Vann as a “black man.”
Confused by Loraas’ questions Sackman responded that doesn’t have any social get-togethers with black people.
Spahr said she referred to Vann as he was identified by the couple.
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Information from: Bismarck Tribune, https://www.bismarcktribune.com
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