Defense, prosecution rest in Gleaton murder trial

MADISON - Both the defense and prosecution have rested in the murder trial of DeShawn Gleaton Jr.

He’s been accused of shooting and killing 29-year-old Hailey Christiansen in July of 2020 in Norfolk.

Day six of the trial began Monday in Madison County District Court with more witnesses including former Norfolk Police Division Detective Louis Siefker.

Siefker testified on several aspects of the case including his interview with Gleaton after his arrest in Sioux City.

Gleaton’s defense, led by Attorney Todd Lancaster, pointed out during the recounting of the police interview that Gleaton told Seifker that he didn’t intentionally try to hurt Christiansen.

"Did Mr. Gleaton tell you he wasn't trying to hurt her, he was only trying to scare her?" Lancaster said.

"He did say that yes," Siefker said.

Lancaster also asked Siefker on cross-examination if Gleaton was showing any signs of impairment before Gleaton's interview on June 25th. Siefker testified that Gleaton said he had taken six Xanax pills, but did not show any signs of impairment.

Other witnesses were called to the stand including Clerk-Magistrate of Madison County Court Leah Buhrman and Amanda Dunbar with the Madison County Sheriff's Office.

The trial is expected to continue Tuesday in Madison with closing statements and jury deliberations.

Stay tuned to News Channel Nebraska for more coverage on this story.