Gleaton trial begins with opening statements Tuesday

MADISON - The murder trial of DeShawn Gleaton Jr. began in Madison County District Court on Tuesday.

The day began with the finalization of jury selection and then moved to opening statements by both the defense and prosecution.

Gleaton Jr. is accused of shooting and killing 29-year-old Hailey Christiansen on July 24th, 2020 in Norfolk.

According to court records, Gleaton was out of prison on bond on suspicion of third-degree domestic assault and first-degree trespassing, both misdemeanors, at the time of the alleged crime.

He was arrested in Sioux City, Iowa, hours later.

He’s facing charges of first-degree murder, first-degree assault, tampering with a witness, possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony.

Gleaton has pleaded not guilty to all five.

During opening statements, the prosecution, led by Madison County Attorney Joe Smith, said that the evidence would show it would benefit Gleaton if Christiansen as a witness in Gleaton’s upcoming trial for the domestic assault and trespassing charge.

"The evidence will be it was in the defendant's self-interest that Hailey not be around because as he was to say over and over again to police officers and other people, he doesn't want to go to jail," Smith said.

Smith also said Christiansen had been receiving phone calls using a blocked number hours before the shooting.

Gleaton’s defense, led by attorney Todd Lancaster, claimed in opening statements that there were inconsistent statements made by witnesses in the case.

"Look for inconsistent statements by witnesses, I think you're going to hear several of them who have said one thing at one time and will say something at another time," Lancaster said.

The murder trial will continue this week with the presentation of the evidence and witness testimony.