Grand Forks bar murder caught on camera, prosecutor says – InForum

GRAND FORKS — The man accused of an Independence Day murder at a Grand Forks bar made his first court appearance Friday.

Nicholas Jon Narveson, a 26-year-old Grand Forks resident, is accused of shooting James Jorgenson, 53, multiple times inside Sledster’s bar around 7:30 p.m. Thursday.

Narveson yawned several times during his 10-minute hearing. He was formally charged with murder, terrorism, reckless endangerment and criminal mischief.

“This is an individual who had no qualms about pulling out a firearm and firing multiple shots inside Sledster’s,” said Grand Forks County Assistant Prosecutor Andrew Eyre. “The shooting at Sledster’s was captured on security camera and the shooting is also on video.”

Investigators said they were still working to determine a motive for the shooting. They would not say whether there was an altercation inside the bar or whether it was a surprise attack.

Grand Forks police said there were a handful of people inside the bar at the time of the shooting, which is why additional charges were filed.

“This is someone who repeatedly pulled the trigger in a crowded bar, endangering several people, including the victim he shot,” Eyre told the court.

Police found Narveson moments after the shooting. Witnesses saw him run around the corner and into the Tea and Crepes Cafe. Once inside, police said, Narveson put the gun on the ground and surrendered.

Judge Don Hager set bail at $1 million cash.

“There is no doubt that public safety is at risk, had it happened in a public place with people present at that time, there could have been more deaths,” he said.

Narveson’s next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 12.

If convicted, Narveson could spend the rest of his life in prison.

Matt Henson is an Emmy Award-winning reporter/photographer/editor for WDAY. Prior to joining WDAY in 2019, Matt was the anchor at WDAZ in Grand Forks for four years.