LAKEPORT — The jury in the murder trial of Shannon Lee Edmonds, 35, and Melvin Dale Norton, 38, continued deliberations until 4:30 p.m. before calling it calling it a day Wednesday. The jury is expected to reconvene at 8:30 a.m. this morning to continue deliberating.
The trial is being held in Lake County Superior Court Department 3 in Lakeport before Honorable Judge Arthur Mann.
After the lunch break the jury made a request for a court-reporter read back of testimony delivered early in the trial by prosecution witness Phillip Adams.
Edmonds and Norton stand accused of the Sept. 22, 2009 stabbing death of Shelby Ryan Uehling, 25, of Bozeman MT. The Clearlake men face charges of murder, assault with a knife, assault with a club and assault likely to cause great bodily injury. Norton faces an additional charge of accessory after the fact while Edmonds”s charges are accompanied by a special allegation because great bodily injury was allegedly inflicted.
The charges carry a maximum sentence of 25 years to life. According to Public Defender Doug Rhoades, who represents Edmonds, there is a possibility of parole. The men have pleaded not guilty by means of self-defense.
Contact South County reporter Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
