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Patrick Springer

Patrick Springer first joined The Forum in 1985. He covers a wide range of subjects including health care, energy and population trends. Email address: pspringer@forumcomm.com

A white man in an orange shirt is guided through a room by a prison employee. A third man with a hat stands in the background.
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The Vault
Defense lawyers: Prosecutors suppressed evidence pointing to defendant’s innocence in 1986 murder
New evidence in Werner Kunkel's case includes statements from several witnesses who saw Gilbert Fassett alive after he was supposedly murdered, according to the case prosecutors presented to jurors.
Jan 18
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By  Patrick Springer
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The Vault
How a frontiersman's tie to a gang of horse thieves likely cost him his life
Few are aware of how active vigilantes were in 1880s Dakota Territory. Ron Berget's book, "Montana Stranglers in Dakota Territory," tells a largely forgotten story.
Dec 18, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left is a mangled button up shirt labeled as State's Exhibit 28-B.
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The Vault
Can a bloody shirt provide evidence that would clear a man convicted of murder 38 years ago?
Lawyers work to win parole for Werner Rümmer, investigate new evidence to gain his release.
Jul 6, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left is polygraph machine with a white man's hands attached.
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The Vault
Victim’s mother in homicide case gave tip pointing at someone other than her son’s convicted murderer
A purported witness to Gilbert Fassett's murder gave statements the FBI concluded were "indicative of deception" when disavowing knowledge of the murder.
Jul 5, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left is a photo of a road near a lake and a Native American man in a U.S. military uniform.
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The Vault
Statements after the trial cast doubt on the guilt of men convicted in connection with Eddie Peltier’s murder
Two witnesses recanted their trial testimony and some new witnesses came forward after the trial.
Jul 4, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left are maggots with a calendar of August 1986.
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The Vault
Time of death in Fassett murder case established by insect evidence called into question by expert
A University of North Dakota parasitologist estimated that Gilbert Fassett died on Aug. 1, 1986. A forensic entomologist who has provided analysis for thousands of cases later disputed that timeline.
Jul 3, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left is a black and white Polaroid photo of two high top shoes hanging by their laces on a tree. A sticker on the Polaroid labels it as defendant's exhibit a.
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The Vault
The conviction of Werner Kunkel relied heavily on jailhouse informants. Were they reliable?
The use of jailhouse snitches is a common practice, but informants are involved in many wrongful convictions, experts say.
Jul 2, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. At left is a 1980s era sedan and a kitchen knife.
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The Vault
Former girlfriend implicated murder suspect shortly after he testified against her husband
How a notorious double murder near Minot would help snare Werner Kunkel in an unrelated murder case.
Jul 1, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. A ski jump is also seen in the red-tinted illustration. At left is a polaroid photo of the exterior of a bar with cars parked outside as well as dice.
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The Vault
Possible suspect failed polygraph, but never was charged in connection with Gilbert Fassett’s murder
The murder victim's mother told investigators she heard a police officer shot her son.
Jun 30, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
A photo illustration focuses on Ski Jump Hill, which is depicted with a pindrop and radar lines on a map. A ski jump is also seen in the red-tinted illustration. At left is a polaroid-style photo of a hand which reads State's Exhibit.
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The Vault
Who killed Gilbert Fassett? A jury convicted a man in 1995 for his death, but questions linger
Werner Rümmer was granted parole despite denying involvement in Fassett's death — but his parole was abruptly reversed.
Jun 29, 2024
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By  Patrick Springer
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