Calls for mistrials and testimony about the moments before
shots being fired filled a South Dakota court room and
wrapped up the first week in trial allegedly founded in motorcycle
club rivalries.
John Midmore of Valparaiso, Ind., and Chad Wilson of
Lynnwood, Wash., both members on the Hells Angels motorcycle
club are charged with attempted murder for injuring five
Outlaws Motorcycle Club members in a 2006 gunfight at Custer
State Park.
On Thursday the judge handling trial refused to declare a
mistrial after contradicting testimony from several
prosecution witnesses. Motorcyclists who were at the
scene said they saw a man later identified as one of the
defendants fire the first shot toward the Outlaws, one of
whom returned fire.
But during cross-examination, a defense lawyer challenged
some of the statements, including one man's testimony that
the second defendant got out of the truck and shot people
who already had been hit.
Two people testified Friday at the Sioux Falls trial of
two Hells Angels bikers that a pickup pulled out before they
heard gunshots.
Michael Cain and Michelle Lewis said the truck, identified
as Wilson's, cut them off as they turned into a parking lot.
Several Outlaws had been shot, then they heard gunshots and
a couple of Outlaws chased after the truck and banged on it.
However, under cross examination Lewis acknowledged she
didn't see who started the gunfight.
The trial continues next week.