Frigid temperatures this weekend prompt cold weather advisories

MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all. 

Turn Up Your Support

An Isanti man accused of murder in a cold case from more than two decades ago asked a Hennepin County judge to reduce his bail on Wednesday.

Attorney Steven Meshbesher argued that Jerry Westrom's bail be reduced from $500,000 to $150,000. Meshbesher said Westrom, 52, who is accused of stabbing Jeanne Ann Childs to death in her Minneapolis apartment in 1993, recently lost his job and is in financial trouble.

He said Westrom has been able to pay $15,000 to the bail bond company so far, but will have a hard time paying more.

Westrom appeared in court, but didn't speak to the judge.

Double homicide, cold case break bring charges in Hennepin Co.

Defense attorney disputes evidence against Jerry Westrom

In arguing for the reduced bail, Meshbesher said Westrom is not a flight risk and doesn't pose a public safety.

"He's never committed a violent crime in his life," said Meshbesher.

Westrom has not formally entered a plea, although Meshbesher has said he intends to plead not guilty. According to the criminal complaint, Westrom told police he'd never met Childs and never went to her apartment.

Prosecutors say DNA matching Westrom was found at the scene, but it took 

 and a discarded napkin used by Westrom earlier this year to catch their suspect.

Genealogy technology plays key role in Minneapolis cold case

Meshbesher has said the DNA evidence is "thin", and he said he's hiring a DNA expert and others in Westrom's defense.

Judge Martha Holton Dimick agreed to reduce Westrom's bail to $250,000.

"That's as low as the court is willing to go," she said.

Meshbesher later said the reduction was "a start," but added that Westrom's defense is going to be expensive.

Westrom's next court appearance is scheduled for May 28.

Crime, Law and Justice

NewsPartners

Brandt Williams

Author

The attorney for Jerry Westrom said he's struggling to afford his defense.

Attorney Steven Meshbesher addresses reporters as Jerry Westrom stands by.

Accused cold case killer asks for lower bail

Go Deeper.

Like this?