Attempted murder trial against prisoners launched

SIOUX FALLS, SD (KELO) – Two state prison inmates charged with attempted murder were back in court Monday. They are accused of assaulting a correctional officer at the Sioux Falls prison in August 2023.

Gunshots reported on East Mercato Sunday

Kyle Jones and Lester Monroe walked into the court wearing civilian clothes, surrounded by heavy security. Lawyers for both sides will select twelve jurors with three alternates. They will hear the case against the two men accused of beating a correctional officer at the Jameson Annex last year.

According to court documents, “both Monroe and Jones continued to punch the officer in the head.” The attack lasted about a minute. Jones punched the officer at least 50 times while Monroe held the officer on the ground. Court documents show Monroe punched the officer at least 20 times. The attack was eventually broken up by other officers using a taser, spray and physical force. The attack was captured on video. The officer recovered.

Monroe and Jones are both charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault against law enforcement. They both pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to begin Tuesday with opening arguments from a public defender and court-appointed attorneys for Jones and Monroe.

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