Testimony begins in Minot murder trial

MINOT, N.D. (KMOT) – Testimony about a burned-out vehicle where Domonique Kelley's remains were found, as well as tire tracks nearby, were the focus of much of the testimony in a murder trial in Minot Thursday.

Kamauri Kennedy is charged with murder and conspiracy to commit murder in connection with Kelley's death in June 2021.

Several current and former Minot police officers testified they were called to help late at night when a car caught fire in southeast Minot.

Officials said Kelley's skull had a crack that may have been a gunshot wound.

Former Minot police officer Kenton Kossan testified that tire tracks were discovered in a field adjacent to the crime scene and compared them to those of an SUV believed to be at the scene.

Kossan: “Based on the evidence we found at the scene of the accident, we concluded that it would have been wise to try to take tire prints from this vehicle.”

Tiffany Sorgen, prosecutor: “And why was that?”

Kossan: “To determine whether the vehicle was at the crime scene that night or not.”

In response, Kennedy's defense attorney William Skees pointed out that many vehicles probably had similar wheelbases and tire profiles and that different generations of certain makes and models shared similarities.

Skees: “Would it surprise you to know it was from 2015 to 2021?”

Kossan: “That wouldn’t surprise me, no.”

Skees: “If that were the case, would there be many vehicles that could match the 2017 GMC Yukon?”

Kossan: “Yes.”

The jury also heard testimony from an ATF agent and the state medical examiner at the time of Kelley's death.

Testimony will continue on Friday morning.

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