German murder trial continues into next week

The trial of Kevin German  for first degree murder and two counts of kidnapping will continue into next week. 

Judge Patrick Heng dismissed the jury at 2:45 p.m. Friday afternoon for the weekend. Most court days have gone until 5 p.m.

The jury will report back Monday at 9 a.m. Following a three-day jury selection process, the trial began on Thursday, June 22.

The prosecution has called more than 20 witnesses thus far and is expected to call several more when court resumes Monday.

Once the prosecution rests, German’s defense team, led by Clarence Mock, III of Omaha will begin. 

German’s charges stem from the November 2019 death of Annika Swanson, 22, of Imperial. German pled not guilty to all three charges.

German is charged with three Class 1A felonies—1st degree murder and two kidnapping charges.

Of particular interest was the testimonies of key players in the case—Russ Mann,  Keonna Carter and Eve Ambrosek.

Much of the drug-related activity surrounding the death of Swanson occurred at the trailer home of Mann’s just northeast of Enders. 

Carter, German’s alleged accomplice, has also been charged with 1st degree murder and one count of kidnapping in Swanson’s death.

German’s two kidnapping charges stem from the alleged abduction of Eve Ambrosek and Swanson. Carter is charged with one of the kidnappings. 

Ambrosek was seeking to buy methamphetamine in November, 2019 and was allegedly abducted.

She and German had been in a relationship during September and October, 2019.

During the examination of both Mann and Carter, both the prosecution and defense noted the pair had been offered plea agreements in exchange for their testimony. 

During cross-examination of the three witnesses, the defense sought to challenge their credibility as witnesses. 

They pointed out cited numerous instances where the statements they each gave to law enforcement changed from interview to interview and as well during their testimony.

The prosecution has built their own foundation for the case, calling numerous law enforcement officers, investigators, crime lab, cell phone recovery and DNA specialists.

Watch here for more recaps of the trial from last week.