MANKATO – A statement made to police by a man accused of robbing two men inside a Minnesota State University dorm room last January will not be used in court.
21-year-old Mohammed Ali Elmi appeared in court today on felony charges of burglary and aggravated robbery.
Elmi claimed he had a weapon when he entered the Gage Tower dorm room with Shamarke Said Omar. Demanding a lap top and cash, the victims eventually fought back, sending Elmi and Omar fleeing.
Five other men were eventually arrested for aiding an offender.
Defense attorney Rich Hillesheim had intended to contest one of two statements given to police by Elmi following his arrest.
The first statement on the date of the incident, January 23rd, is not being contested by Hillesheim.
But a second statement given a couple days later will not be used by mutually agreement between the defense and prosecution.
The reason wasn’t disclosed in court.
Following the hearing Hillesheim said investigators talked with Elmi while he was in custody. But Hillesheim, who had already been appointed as counsel, wasn’t informed of the interview and it was conducted without his presence.
Hillesheim told Judge Krista Jass that there has been some talk of a resolution for the case.
A date for a three day jury trial will be set by the court. The state informed Jass he could call up to 20 witnesses for the trial.
Elmi remains in custody.