Jamestown, ND (KCSi-T.V. News) — The murder, conspiracy trial of Leron Howard is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, August 14, 2012, in Southeast District Court in Jamestown, with jury selection.

The trail is expected to end by August 24th.

The 34-year-old Howard will stand trial on Class AA Felony charges of murder and criminal conspiracy, in the April 2011 death of Abdi Ali Ahmed, who was 18 year old at the time of his death.

Ahmed’s body was found near Spiritwood in April, 2011.

Howard’s request of a change in venue for his trial, was denied by Southeast District Court Judge, Thomas Merrick.

 Howard claimed that media coverage of Janelle Cave’s trial, in Jamestown, made it impossible to find a fair and impartial jury.

Merrick expanded the jury pool to include 20 residents from neighboring Barnes County.

In February, of this year, co-defendant Janelle Cave, of Jamestown was found guilty of manslaughter and criminal conspiracy in Ahmed’s death.

Cave was sentenced to serve 11 years in prison, and is appealing her conviction in North Dakota Supreme Court.

As part of her sentence, she is required to testify against Howard at his trial.

Stutsman County Courthouse security will be stepped up during the trial as it was during Cave’s trial starting at the main entrance, which will effect courthouse visitors to the main floor offices and the upper flood courtrooms.

Stutsman County Sheriff, Chad Kaiser says metal detectors will aid six officers, adding that those attending the trial should not bring handbag, or cell phones into the courthouse.

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