DNA analysis and search for SUV are the highlights of testimony on the third day of the Minot murder trial

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Testimony regarding DNA testing and the search for an SUV were the highlights of the third day of a murder trial in Minot.

Kamauri Kennedy is accused of the death of Domonique Kelley in 2021.

Kelley's remains were found in a burned-out sedan on a country road in southeast Minot.

During the investigation, DNA samples from various items, including the lid of a gas can, were sent to the state crime lab along with samples from Kelley, Kennedy and others.

A forensic scientist confirmed the analysis of DNA taken from the gas can lid as well as the sample from Kennedy.

“The frequency of randomly selecting an unrelated person from the population who matches the profile from the eyelid swab is estimated to be about one in 64.16 trillion,” said forensic scientist Amy Gebhardt.

Kennedy's defense attorney stressed that it was impossible to say when the DNA sample was left on the lid.

A former Minot police investigator testified about the discovery of a badly damaged GMC Yukon in a wooded area near Mandaree about a week after Kelley's death.

Marissa Mason, an acquaintance of Kennedy, testified that she often lent him the SUV and that he made a surprising request.

Mason: “Basically, something happened and we wanted to get rid of the vehicle.”

Tiffany Sorgen, prosecutor: “To get rid of the Yukon.”

Mason: “Yes.”

Worry: “Did he tell you specifically how to get rid of it?”

Mason: “To burn it.”

Worries: “What was going through your mind when he told you to burn the Yukon?”

Mason: “I found the demand to burn my family’s car quite absurd.”

Mason said she did not burn it but hid it near Mandaree.

Testimony will continue Monday morning in Minot. The state may conclude its evidence late Monday or early Tuesday.

The defense has said it will not call any rebuttal witnesses, but it is unclear whether Kennedy will testify in his own defense.

If convicted, he faces life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

Previous reporting:

All rights reserved.