FARGO, N.D. — A jury has found Spencer Moen guilty of murder in the death of his wife Sonja.
The jury of 1o men and two women returned the verdict on the second day of deliberations. People inside the courtroom were crying as the verdict was read by the judge. Moen’s defense attorney had no comment on the jury’s decision. Assistant Cass County State’s Attorney Renata Olafson Selzer would not comment on if the defense asked the prosecution to consider a plea deal.
The jury also considered whether to find Moen guilty of negligent homicide that has a maximum sentence of five years in prison.
Sonja was found dead in a bathroom at the couple’s West Fargo home. There was a lot of evidence that was difficult to see in the courtroom.
“We did have to show some graphic photographs, autopsy photos, there was the video of the victim as she was dying in the bathtub. Those are very difficult to see and we’re sensative to that as we’re preparing for trial, but, yet, those are things we have to show. It’s important for the jury to see,” Olafson Selzer said.
The couple’s twin six-year-olds testified they saw their father hit their mother. The prosecution says it agonized over whether to have them testify.
“I’ve been in our office for 17 years now and I have never called children that young to the stand. It’s not something that we took lightly at all. We felt it was important to do what we could to lessen any trauma that they might experience in having to testify. That’s why we sought permission from the judge to have them testify out of the presence of the defendant,” Olafson Selzer said.
The prosecution recognizes what the Moen family has gone through is very difficult.
“We have three children who have lost a mom. Their dad has now been convicted. We just think about the kids and what they’ve been through. It’s the right result, it’s the just result, but there are no winners,” Olafson Selzer said.
Moen faces 30 years to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Prosecution didn’t comment on the sentence they will recommend, but will talk with Sonja’s family before making that decision.
