Continuance filed in Kellogg manslaughter case
This area of West Park Ave. was where the body of Reed Norris was discovered on April 22.
JOSH McDONALD
WALLACE –– A Shoshone County manslaughter case is moving forward following recent motions filed by both the defendants and the state.
On April 24, August Mota and Martin Duncan were charged with voluntary manslaughter following a fight that resulted in the death of Reed Norris.
Last month, attorneys for both Mota and Duncan filed 90-day continuances to allow them additional time to complete independent investigations.
According to Shoshone County Prosecutor Ben Allen, the state had two motions before the court, one to consolidate the two cases for purposes of preliminary hearing if it proceeds forward, and the other to allow remote witnesses to appear by video rather than in person due to the large number of witnesses that reside out of state.
Duncan had previously been released on bond, but Mota was granted release due to his ongoing cooperation with investigators – both were released under strict and detailed supervision plans.
The state had two motions before the court, one to consolidate the two cases for purposes of preliminary hearing if it proceeds forward, and the other to allow remote witnesses to appear by video rather than in person due to the large number of witnesses that reside out of state.
Both motions were granted.
According to the probable cause affidavit (PCA), on the night of the incident, all three men had been drinking at the nearby Dirty Dog Saloon into the early hours of April 21 before leaving the bar together.
Before leaving the establishment, surveillance footage from the bar showed all three men shaking hands and hugging each other. However, after departing, the three men engaged in a fight that resulted in Norris’ death.
What happened between them after they left remains in question.
Norris' body was found two days later behind a barber shop across from the bar.
“The state is awaiting a great deal of forensic testing which should paint a clearer picture in the coming months of what actually occurred on the night in question,” Allen stated.
The date of the future preliminary hearing has not been set.