Opinion ID: 444626
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: facts

Text: 2 On February 13, 1983, a shootout occurred in Medina, North Dakota, which resulted in the death of two United States Marshals. 2 The following day a magistrate issued a warrant for the arrest of Gordon W. Kahl for the murders of the two marshals. Thereafter, on March 11, 1983, another warrant for Kahl's arrest was issued based upon a federal grand jury's indictment charging Kahl with murder. A nationwide manhunt for Kahl ensued, leading law enforcement authorities to the Ginters' residence near Smithville, Arkansas, where another shootout occurred in which Gordon Kahl and a local law enforcement officer were killed. 3 The evidence at trial--elicited largely from Karen Robertson, Arthur Russell's daughter--established that on March 13, 1983, Leonard Ginter was introduced to Karen Robertson at Russell's home in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The same day Gordon Kahl moved into the Russell residence where he continued to reside until May 30, 1983. During this period Kahl discussed the North Dakota incident with Russell and Robertson, and they watched television news accounts of the search for Kahl. 4 Udey visited the Russell residence during this period, and on his first visit he referred to Kahl as a hero. Thereafter Kahl visited Udey's residence at least twice. Udey initiated at least one of the visits by inviting Kahl to dinner. 5 In mid-May 1983, the Ginters visited Russell's residence. Leonard Ginter had an FBI wanted poster of Kahl, which was discussed with Kahl. On May 30, 1983, another discussion with Kahl took place at the Russell residence, where the Ginters, Russell, and Udey were present, regarding the FBI search. Later that day Gordon Kahl moved to the Ginters' residence near Smithville, Arkansas, as the group believed the FBI to be closing in on Kahl. 6 On June 3, 1983, law enforcement authorities went to the Ginter residence in search of Kahl, and a shootout occurred. The Ginters' home was burned down during the shootout. Afterwards, the remains of a mini-14 rifle similar to one that Kahl had at the Russell residence was recovered. Also recovered in a similar condition, was a shotgun belonging to the United States Marshals' office in North Dakota, which was lost in the February 13, Medina shootout. The body of a man burned beyond recognition was also discovered; it was later identified by the Medical Examiner as Gordon Kahl.