The trial for Kirk Lee Bigby, 62, of Finland who shot and killed Marcus Lee Roberts, 35, of Bloomington, Minnesota on December 9, 2015, outside of Bluefin Bay Resort in Tofte, has been moved to June.
Bigby was set for trial this week, but he told the judge that he wanted to remove his public defender and hire a private attorney. Sixth Judicial District Judge Eric Hylden granted Bigby his request and set the twoweek trial to begin June 5 in State District Court in Grand Marais.
In the meantime, Bigby hired Dave Risk of Halberg Criminal Defense who is based in the Twin Cities.
Roberts was employed by a casino gaming company that was providing entertainment for an employee holiday party at Bluefin when he encountered Bigby, a Bluefin worker who delivered firewood to guest rooms. What happened next is up to a court to decide. Bigby maintains he acted in self-defense, although he claims to have no recollection of the shooting.
Cook County Attorney Molly Hicken is prosecuting the case with David Miller of the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office. Hicken alleges Bigby shot Roberts “without warning or provocation.”
Bigby was initially charged with intentional second-degree murder, but the second charge of unintentional murder was added. Both carry a maximum of 40 years in prison, but the unintentional murder charge carries easier sentencing guidelines.
A last pretrial hearing is set for April 14.
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