Trial set to begin in Minn. bludgeoning-death case

Opening arguments are scheduled for Chad Jamie Gulbertson, the Albert Lea man accused of bludgeoning his former girlfriend to death with a hammer.

Juror selection wrapped up Friday, clearing the way for the trial to begin Monday morning at the Rice County Courthouse in Faribault.

Gulbertson, 38, faces five counts of murder in the death of Jody Lee Morrow last June. He pleaded not guilty on all five counts.

Police reports say Gulbertson walked into a police station and told an officer he thought he killed his former girlfriend.

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According to the Albert Lea Tribune, Gulbertson's public defender said in pretrial hearings that he intends to rely on a heat-of-passion type argument in the trial.

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Information from: Albert Lea Tribune

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