Trial for man accused of fatally stabbing another in March to begin next week – Argus Leader

A Sioux Falls man accused of fatally stabbing another man after an argument in March 2019 is set to go to trial next week.

Christopher Lee Adams, 40, will stand trial for his alleged involvement in the death of Ronnie Jerome Baker, who died March 10, 2019, after being stabbed in the chest.

Attorneys on Friday were preparing for jury selection, with the trial scheduled to begin Monday. Both the prosecution and defense made pre-trial motions in the last few weeks, such as not allowing third-party perpetrator evidence, sequestering witnesses, not referring to Baker as the "victim," and allowing Adams to appear in street clothes.

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Police say Adams and Bakerwere drinking at Adams' residence near West Ninth Street and North Evergreen Drive when the two began arguing.

Adams' wife told police her husband told her to come upstairs around 6 a.m. Sunday, according to court documents. She found Baker and Adams surrounded by numerous alcohol containers and arguing over "magazine sales."

While Adams' wife was in the restroom, she heard Adams tell Baker to leave. When she came out, she said she saw Adams with his hands around Baker's throat and a folding knife lying on the floor, according to an affidavit. She picked up the knife, but Adams took it back before stabbing Baker.

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Adams is being charged with second-degree murder andthree counts of first-degree manslaughter in the alternative. Should the jury acquit Adams of second-degree murder, they could find him guilty in one of the first-degree manslaughter counts: heat of passion in a cruel and unusual manner;without intent to kill, but did with a dangerous weapon;or thatAdams killed Baker while Baker was committing a crime.

Adams has been in custody on bond since his arrest. If convicted, he could spend life in prison.

Email reporter Danielle Ferguson at dbferguson@argusleader.com, or follow on Twitter at @DaniFergs.

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Trial for man accused of fatally stabbing another in March to begin next week - Argus Leader

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