UPDATE: A trial is set to commence for three defendants involved in a robbery that led to a homicide in Duluth last summer. Starting Monday, October 16, 2023, the St. Louis County Courthouse will hear the case against Lance Lee Houle, Steven Ross Shotley, and Amanda Marie Ruiz, who are accused of participating in a violent home invasion that resulted in the death of Cody Thomas Telega.
The urgency surrounding this case escalates as Dontae Martes Williamson, the alleged victim of the robbery, has reportedly threatened to alter his testimony to undermine the prosecution. This alarming development prompted prosecutor Mike Ryan to seek a rare joint trial for the defendants, arguing that they worked closely together and face identical charges stemming from the same incident.
On the night of June 14, 2023, authorities allege that Houle and Shotley forcibly entered Telega’s Central Hillside apartment, assaulting Williamson and stealing his cellphone, cash, and $1,500 worth of drugs. Ruiz is accused of being the getaway driver. In a twist, after the robbery, Williamson was injured while escaping through a window, later leading to the fatal shooting of Telega by Antonio Duryea Hendon, who approached the apartment shortly after.
Williamson’s initial cooperation with authorities has reportedly shifted, leading to concerns over his reliability as a witness. Prosecutor Mike Ryan highlighted that Williamson’s refusal to assist in the investigation poses a significant risk to the trial, stating there is a “pronounced risk” he would not appear if released. He has requested that the court compel Williamson to testify under immunity, allowing him to provide evidence without self-incrimination in his pending charges for a separate shooting incident.
Defense attorneys for Shotley and Houle have opposed the joint trial, warning that evidence admissibility issues could arise, complicating the case further. Nevertheless, Judge Leslie Beiers granted the motion for the combined trial. Ruiz has consented to the joint proceedings, while Shotley has demanded a speedy trial, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.
Surveillance footage reportedly shows the three defendants entering the Firehouse Flats building just before the robbery, strengthening the prosecution’s case. The evidence suggests a well-coordinated plan among the defendants, with specific details linking them to the crime. All three face charges of aggravated first-degree robbery, while Shotley faces an additional charge for felony firearm possession, which Ryan has sought to separate for clarity during the trial.
As the trial approaches, the community remains on edge, with significant implications for all involved and the broader Duluth area. The actions of Williamson, now viewed as a hostile witness, could drastically alter the trial’s trajectory.
Moving forward, the focus will be on the upcoming court sessions where vital testimonies and evidence will be presented. Both the prosecution and defense gear up for what promises to be a contentious trial, with the eyes of the public closely monitoring developments in this high-stakes case.
Stay tuned for immediate updates as this story unfolds.
