The trial in the case of attempted murder of prisoners has started

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

Shots were reported in East Mercato on Sunday

Kyle Jones and Lester Monroe entered the courthouse dressed in plain clothes and surrounded by heavy security. Lawyers for both sides select 12 jurors and three alternates. They will hear the case of two men accused of beating a corrections officer at the Jameson Annex last year.

Court documents state that “Both Monroe and Jones continually punched the officer in the head.” The attack lasted about a minute. Jones punched the officer at least 50 times while Monroe held him down on the ground. Court documents say Monroe punched the officer at least 20 times. The attack was eventually broken up by other officers who used a stun gun, spray and physical force. The attack was captured on video. The officer recovered.

Monroe and Jones are charged with attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault against law enforcement. Both pleaded not guilty. The trial is expected to begin Tuesday with opening statements by a lawyer from the Attorney General’s Office and court-appointed attorneys for Jones and Monroe.

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