The Hearing Today was with Purpose.

Today was a 20-minute step towards justice for David. The pre-trial conference started with people rising at the entry of Judge Heath. Judge Heath had a serious and ready-to-work air about him. The four defendants were spread out, not linked together like in previous hearings. We had about 30 supporters for David and I think there were about 6 or 8 for the defendants present. Many wanted the "I (heart) David Grunwald" buttons. I passed those out. Those who did not ask for one....well, I figured they were present for a different reason.

Austin Barrett, looking a little disheveled was sitting in the witness stand by himself. Last time I saw him, he had a fresh haircut and seemed kinda spunky. Today Austin's hair was grown out a bit and he seemed puffy, maybe he's not been feeling well. Directly across the room Erick

Almandinger sat in orange with his hair in a pony tail. Erick seemed perky and alert. Erick is the only one who travels in from Anchorage. I'm told he is in the high school program. In the same area, but on the opposite end of the benches, Dominic Johnson and Bradley Renfro sat linked together, looking comfortable next to each other. Dominic and Bradley had fresh haircuts and appeared a little low energy, but alert. Bradley looked like he's grown a bit taller - maybe it was the haircut. I think of David....they stole his life - they nearly beat David to death with two pistols - literally tortured him - before kidnapping and murdering him, execution style.

All of their lawyers (paid for by the public) were in attendance, either in person or by phone. The District Attorney and the defense attorneys all seemed to agree that because of the plethora of discovery and needing the time to go through everything that they needed a continuation. Another pre-trial conference was scheduled for July 18. Judge Heath also wanted a deadline for motions, but I don't think a date was set.

Within 20 minutes, there was no activity - no cases scheduled for the same time today. Unfortunately there was no media. We missed seeing those who came to get the news to report it to keep everyone updated. Even youralaskalink.com was absent. On the other hand, though, we had some great support. Kat Co from the Kenai came in with her daughter. David's best friend and his father were there (love them!). Ben's and my best friend and on-going shoulder and supporter, Mike was there. The D12s were there. Alaska Investigation Agency, Luke attended. A couple of new attendees and a few regulars, who we always enjoy seeing and hugging showed up. Apparently Judge Heath plans to continue to schedule this case by itself - no others. So, we have room for those who would like to attend.

So what was the result? What made this hearing purposeful? There was actual forward momentum. The defense attorneys are locked in.The DA and the defense had their discovery and now needed to buckle down and prepare. Please hang in here with us. This is difficult. We still want swift and harsh justice; we need to keep writing the judges to be tough and to the DA to prosecute to the fullest. Letter Info.