March 29, 2024

Jury selection for Wright trial begins May 6

Judge prohibits general characteristics about pit bulls from non-experts

A final pretrial conference in the 2013 dog-mauling death of 4-year-old Jordan Arndt was held Monday in Jasper County District Court and provided a preview of what jurors will and will not see when the trial begins May 6.

Jena M. Wright, 26, of Prairie City is facing charges of child endangerment resulting in death, a Class B felony, and neglect or abandonment of a dependent person, a Class C felony after her American Staffordshire Terrier attacked and killed the 4-year-old who was under Wright’s care over two years ago.

During Monday morning’s hearing, the court ruled on a pending, but routine motion by the defense to discuss what would and would not be admissible during the trial.

The defense is expected to use California-based expert canine witness Ron Berman to help build its case. Wright’s attorney T.J. Hier motioned to disallow any damaging opinions or beliefs regarding the pit bull breed by state witnesses not certified in the field of canine behavior.

District Court Judge Richard Clogg sustained the motion but is prohibiting general statements about the breed.

“That does not prohibit people from talking about the dog in question or testifying about the dog in question,” Clogg said.

Wright’s prior criminal history — unless brought up by the defense — will also not be admissible as well as inflammatory characterizations regarding the extent of the Arndt’s injuries.

Hier provided the example “ripping the throat out the little girl,” as an example of an statement she wants to prevent the state from using in its testimony.

“Anything along those lines that are very inflammatory would be prejudicial to the defendant in this case,” Hier said.

The state agreed to the defense’s motions unless the specific characteristics are relevant to the court, according to Jasper County Assistant Attorney Kelly Bennett.

Clogg sustained the motion.

“The only thing I can say is they (the state) should not use any such characterizations that are improper,” Clogg said.

The pretrial conference concluded with Clogg confirming the May 6 trial date.

Wright faces two charges heading into next week. If convicted, she could face up to 25 years for the Class B felony and 10 years for the Class C felony.

The incident occurred April 22, 2013 while Wright was babysitting Arndt and her brother. Arndt suffered severe bite wounds from the dog and was airlifted to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. She died the following day.

Wright was arrested April 23, 2013 and has entered pleads of not guilty. The case has gone through more than a dozen continuances for both procedural purposes and reasons involving witness schedules.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com