ND - Several bodies found at Mandan business, 1 April 2019 *Arrest* #2

[Seattle1]

Hired attorneys withdraw from quadruple murder case

April 30, 2021

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - Court documents filed Thursday show the attorney hired to represent a man accused of murdering four people, withdrew himself and others as counsel.

Hired by defendant Chad Isaak, North Dakota attorney Robert Quick made a motion to withdraw himself and colleagues from the case.

Court documents filed by Quick, state Isaak filed a disciplinary complaint against him on April 20 related to his representation in the case.

Quick cites a conflict of interest as his reason for withdrawing.

Court documents also say, “the defendant has previously received written communications establishing that the termination of myself from his case would result in all attorneys from the Vogel Law Firm being terminated as well.”

No hearing will be made on the motion.

 

[Seattle1]

This is simply mind-boggling to me! Since there was no hearing made on the motion for the entire defense team to withdraw - I'm thinking there may have been a threat by CI.

Looking through my notes -- I found that CI also had the Judge replaced in
Dec 2019:

A new judge has been appointed in the Chad Isaak murder case.

In court documents filed Wednesday Isaak requested a new judge. When Your News Leader spoke with Robert Quick Isaak's defense attorney he declined to comment on why they were requesting a new judge.

The new judge in the case is District Court Judge David Reich.


New judge appointed in Chad Isaak murder case

 

[Niner]

just delays... delays....

 

[meanmaryjean]

He HAS to know he is just delaying the inevitable, right?

 

[Niner]

Wednesday, May 5th:
*Status Conference Hearing (@ 3:45pm CT) – ND – Lois Ann Cobbs (45), employee; William Dee “Bill” Cobbs, Jr. (50), employee; Adam Fuehrer (42), employee; Robert John Fakler (52) co-owner (April 1, 2019, at RJR Maint. & Mgmt business, Mandan) - *Chad Trolon Isaak (44/now 47) arrested (4/4/19), charged (4/5/19) & arraigned (5/9/19) with 4 counts of murder (Felony AA), 1 count of burglary (Felony B), 1 count of concealment within a vehicle (Felony C) & 1 count of unauthorized use of vehicle (misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $1M Cash only bond.
Trial was set to begin on 11/30/20 continued due to COVID to 6/7/21. (6/7/21 to 6/11 & 6/14 to 6/18 & 6/21 to 6/25/21).
Court info from 4/5/19 thru 12/12/19 reference post #394 here:
ND - Several bodies found at Mandan business, 1 April 2019 *Arrest* #2
4/15/20 Update: Due to the coronavirus motions hearing on 5/4 has been rescheduled to 7/1/20. 7/1/20 Update: The Judge requested both parties create a jury questionnaire. He will then make a decision based on findings. The motion to suppress evidence included video surveillance from Mandan businesses. Defense attorneys say the footage does not accurately link Isaak to the crime scene. Judge David Reich says he will review the argument & issue a filing soon. His attorneys also requested a Franks hearing, which examines the validity of police statements. Isaak’s defense lawyers claim search warrants of Isaak’s home, car, and electronics were illegally obtained. Under Advisement: Regarding Defendant's Motion to Compel; Denied Motion to Change Venue Without Prejudice. No further court dates until trial 11/30/20.
7/9/20 Update: Denied defendant’s amended motion to suppress evidence & motion to request a Franks hearing. 7/14/20: Denied defendant’s motion to suppress. In a July 9 opinion, Morton County Judge David Reich denied Chad Trolon Isaak's attorneys' motion to suppress evidence & a request for a hearing to determine if law enforcement intentionally used false information to obtain a search warrant. Reich opined that the defense did not meet the burden to prove investigators deliberately lied to get the warrants. He also found that the statements the defense claimed to be false were not necessary for officers to obtain a search warrant, as there were other factors used for the legal search.
8/10/20 Update: Proposed jury questionnaires due by end of day on 8/13/20. 8/13/20: Stipulated juror questionnaire & cover sheet. 10/18/20: Discovery response & witness list, reciprocal request for discovery & notice of intent to use evidence. 10/20/20: Motion to exclude case agent from potential sequestration-granted. 10/21/20: State's 2nd discovery response & witness list. 10/23/20: Notice of Motion in Limine. 10/25/20: Notice of Motion in Limine to Prohibit Public Access to Trial Exhibits. 11/6/20: Remote pretrial conference via Zoom. 11/10/20: Notice of final pretrial conference & standard operating procedures. 11/12/20: Stipulation to continue trial-granted. 11/19/20: Pretrial conference was cancelled. Trial has been set to begin on 6/7/21 (thru 6/25/21).
1/18/21: Motion (Index # 326): Motion in Limine Regarding Courtroom Security & Attire; Brief (Index # 327): Brief in Support of Motion in Limine Regarding Courtroom Security & Attire 2/8/21: Proposed Order (Index #326): Order Granting Defendant s Motion in Limine Regarding Courtroom Security & Attire-filed by Rob Quick. 4/1/21: State's 2nd reciprocal request for discovery; request to prohibit public access to trial records & exhibits under N.D. Sup. Ct. Admin.
4/29/21 Update: Isaak’s attorney Robert Quick filed documents in Morton County saying there’s now a conflict of interest & Quick can no longer defend Isaak. Quick has been Isaak’s attorney since nearly the beginning of the case in April of 2019. The Vogel Law firm which also was helping in the case as secondary counsel has also withdrawn. Court documents filed by Quick, state Isaak filed a disciplinary complaint against him on April 20 related to his representation in the case. Quick cites a conflict of interest as his reason for withdrawing. At this point, there have been no further documents filed to change the trial which is scheduled to begin June 7th. Motion to withdraw from counsel-granted. 4/30/21: Notice of hearing for status conference on 5/5/21 @ 3:45pm & pretrial conference on 5/28/21 @ 2:30pm.

 

[Niner]

05/05/2021 Status Conference (3:45 PM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
In Custody BMDC -Via Zoom meeting ID 701 222 6682 or 1-669-900-9128 OR 1-646-558-8656
Result: Hearing Ended

05/05/2021 Under Advisement (Judicial Officer: Reich, David E )
Hearing Held Motion to Withdraw

05/28/2021 Pretrial Conference (2:30 PM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
public access - 701-328-7950 code: 1415030 - IN-PERSON

06/07/2021 Felony Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
06/07/2021, 06/08/2021, 06/09/2021, 06/10/2021, 06/11/2021, 06/14/2021, 06/15/2021, 06/16/2021, 06/17/2021, 06/18/2021, 06/21/2021, 06/22/2021, 06/23/2021, 06/24/2021, 06/25/2021
03/02/2020 Reset by Court to 09/14/2020
09/14/2020 Reset by Court to 11/30/2020
11/30/2020 Continued to 06/07/2021 - Continuance - COVID-19 - Isaak, Chad Trolon; State of North Dakota

link: https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=4208012

 

[JerseyGirl]

The trial is set to start June 7 and currently scheduled for three weeks.

Attorney to withdraw, but Chad Isaak trial will move forward | KX NEWS

 

[Niner]

Trial in quadruple slaying in Mandan delayed to August

May 11, 2021
BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The judge handling the case of a man accused of killing four people at a Mandan property management business denied a request by more defense attorneys to quit the case, but gave them more time to prepare by pushing trial back to August.
[.....]
Isaak has pleaded not guilty and was scheduled for a three-week trial beginning June 7. The]b] trial is now scheduled to begin Aug. 2.[/b]
[.....]
South Central District Judge David Reich last week granted Robert Quick’s request to withdraw as lead defense attorney after Isaak filed a disciplinary complaint against Quick.
[.....]
In an affidavit Monday, the attorneys said the Vogel firm hadn't been retained by Isaak and has no financial resources for trial expenses such as subpoenaing witnesses, retaining experts, and paying room and board for attorneys.
[.....]
In denying the request Tuesday, Reich wrote that the attorneys should have expected they might take over Isaak’s representation because they entered their appearance in the case as co-counsel. Any financial arrangements in the case are between attorneys and Isaak “and not for this Court to resolve,” Reich wrote. And the attorneys did not show how their status as witnesses in the disciplinary action might be a conflict of interest that necessitated withdrawal, the judge said.

 

[Niner]

05/06/2021 Notice to Defendant and Consent to ITV Index # 365

05/07/2021 Order Index # 366
on Motion to Withdraw as Counsel

05/10/2021 Notice Index # 367
Notice of Expedited Motion to Withdraw as Counsel and/or Continuance of Trial

05/10/2021 Motion Index # 368
Expedited Motion to Withdraw as Counsel and/or Continuance of Trial

05/10/2021 Affidavit Index # 369
Affidavit of Luke T. Heck in Support of Expedited Motion to Withdraw as Counsel

05/10/2021 Proposed Order Index # 370
Defendants Proposed Order Granting Withdrawal of Vogel Law Firm

05/10/2021 Service of Motion Index # 371
Affidavit of Service Upon Chad Isaak

05/10/2021 Service of Motion Index # 372
Certificate of Service Gabrielle Goter Assistant Morton County States Attorney

05/11/2021 Order Index # 373
on Expedited Motion to Withdraw as Counsel

05/11/2021 Notice of Scheduling Change Index # 374
- Amended Trial

05/11/2021 Notice of Scheduling Change Index # 375
- Remote Hearing - Amended Pretrial Conference - ZOOM

05/12/2021 Notice Index # 376
Notice of Substitution and Designation of Counsel

05/12/2021 Service Document Index # 377
Certificate of Service Gabrielle Goter Austin Gunderson Karlei Neufeld

07/16/2021 Pretrial Conference (8:30 AM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
via ZOOM - meeting ID 826 9392 1895 - zoom.com or call 669-900-9128
05/28/2021 Reset by Court to 07/16/2021

08/02/2021 Felony Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
08/02/2021, 08/03/2021, 08/04/2021, 08/05/2021, 08/06/2021, 08/09/2021, 08/10/2021, 08/11/2021, 08/12/2021, 08/13/2021, 08/16/2021, 08/17/2021, 08/18/2021, 08/19/2021, 08/20/2021
03/02/2020 Reset by Court to 09/14/2020
09/14/2020 Reset by Court to 11/30/2020
11/30/2020 Continued to 06/07/2021 - Continuance - COVID-19 - Isaak, Chad Trolon; State of North Dakota
06/07/2021 Reset by Court to 08/02/2021


link: https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=4208012

 

[Seattle1]

Read this today and could not help but think about this case! Convicted ND man slashed his throat with a pen..

Defendant kills himself in North Dakota courtroom after hearing verdict | WHNT.com

Man kills self in Fargo courthouse after receiving guilty verdict | KX NEWS

 

[JDough]

Read this today and could not help but think about this case! Convicted ND man slashed his throat with a pen..

Defendant kills himself in North Dakota courtroom after hearing verdict | WHNT.com

Man kills self in Fargo courthouse after receiving guilty verdict | KX NEWS

What a horrible thing to witness.

 

[Niner]

Friday, July 16th:
*Pretrial Conference Hearing (via Zoom) (@ 8:30am CT) – ND – Lois Ann Cobbs (45), employee; William Dee “Bill” Cobbs, Jr. (50), employee; Adam Fuehrer (42), employee; Robert John Fakler (52) co-owner (April 1, 2019, at RJR Maint. & Mgmt business, Mandan) - *Chad Trolon Isaak (44/now 47) arrested (4/4/19), charged (4/5/19) & arraigned (5/9/19) with 4 counts of murder (Felony AA), 1 count of burglary (Felony B), 1 count of concealment within a vehicle (Felony C) & 1 count of unauthorized use of vehicle (misdemeanor). Plead not guilty. $1M Cash only bond.
Trial was set to begin on 6/7/21 continued to 8/2/21 (8/2/21 to 8/6 & 8/9 to 8/13 & 8/16 to 8/20/21).
Court info from 4/5/19 thru 1/18/21 reference post #449 here:
ND - Several bodies found at Mandan business, 1 April 2019 *Arrest* #2
4/29/21 Update: Isaak’s attorney Robert Quick filed documents in Morton County saying there’s now a conflict of interest & Quick can no longer defend Isaak. Quick has been Isaak’s attorney since nearly the beginning of the case in April of 2019. The Vogel Law firm which also was helping in the case as secondary counsel has also withdrawn. Court documents filed by Quick, state Isaak filed a disciplinary complaint against him on April 20 related to his representation in the case. Quick cites a conflict of interest as his reason for withdrawing. At this point, there have been no further documents filed to change the trial which is scheduled to begin June 7th. Motion to withdraw from counsel-granted. 4/30/21: Notice of hearing for status conference on 5/5/21 @ 3:45pm & pretrial conference on 5/28/21 @ 2:30pm.
5/5/21 Update: Zoom meeting, hearing held. Hearing held re motion to withdraw under advisement. Judge David Reich heard arguments in the case that involved Isaak’s defense attorney Robert Quick asking to withdraw as the attorney on file. Reich made his ruling Friday, May 7, allowing Quick to withdraw as counsel. However, Reich said the other attorney’s on file from the Fargo office of the Vogel Law Firm are not being permitted to withdraw. Isaak filed a disciplinary complaint against his attorney Quick in April. That filing caused Quick to ask for a withdrawal from the case stating a conflict of interest. That sparked Quick saying Vogel lawyers should also be withdrawn as they were hired by Quick, and considered secondary counsel. Judge Reich rejected the implication they are secondary counsel & have less responsibility in the case. At this time, none of the lawyers from Vogel Law Firm have made a motion to withdraw. Isaak said during Wednesday’s status conference that he did not want the Vogel lawyers to withdraw, but he may possibly represent himself in the case if that were to happen. Next pretrial conference hearing on 5/28/21.
5/6/21: Notice to defendant & consent to ITV. 5/7/21: Order on Motion to withdraw as Counsel. 5/10/21: Notice of expedited Motion to withdraw as counsel and/or continuance of trial. Affidavit of Luke T. Heck in support of expedited motion to withdraw as counsel. Proposed Order: defendant's order granting withdrawal of Vogel Law firm. Affidavit of service upon Chad Isaak. Service of Motion: Certificate of Service: Gabrielle Goter, assistant Motion County State's attorney. 5/11/21: Order on expedited motion to withdraw as counsel. Notice of scheduling change-amended trial date & remote hearing amended pretrial conference on 5/28/21 rescheduled to 7/16/21 via Zoom @ 8:30am. Trial is set to begin on 8/2/21 (8/2-8/6, 8/9-8/13, 8/16-20).

 

[PrairieWind]

This case had sort of dropped off my radar. Has a motive ever been determined?

 

[meanmaryjean]

This case had sort of dropped off my radar. Has a motive ever been determined?

Nope- that's the frustrating thing. And I don't think it will be revealed at trial either.

 

[JerseyGirl]

Chad Isaak trial to be held in Morton County Courthouse

Jury selection is expected to take two days for the 12 person jury with 2 alternates.

The trial is scheduled to last three weeks, and no final witness list has been released. The expectations are for up to 150 witnesses to be called.

Chad Isaak will be allowed to wear civilian clothes during the trial with no visible restraints. The trial starts August 2nd.

 

[Seattle1]

Chad Isaak trial to be held in Morton County Courthouse

Jury selection is expected to take two days for the 12 person jury with 2 alternates.

The trial is scheduled to last three weeks, and no final witness list has been released. The expectations are for up to 150 witnesses to be called.

Chad Isaak will be allowed to wear civilian clothes during the trial with no visible restraints. The trial starts August 2nd.

I don't think leaving the trial in Mandan will be a problem. Nobody has heard even a hint on the motive -- strangest mass murder ever.

 

[Niner]

Here's an update for the docket since his last hearing.

07/16/2021 Pretrial Conference (8:30 AM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
In-custody - via ZOOM - meeting ID 826 9392 1895 - zoom.com or call 669-900-9128
05/28/2021 Reset by Court to 07/16/2021
Result: Hearing Ended

07/16/2021 Notice Index # 445
Notice of Motion to Compel Discovery (corresponding with Index ## 440-444)

07/16/2021 Motion Index # 446
Motion to Compel Discovery (corresponding with Index ## 440-444)

07/16/2021 Service of Motion Index # 447
Certificate of Service Gabrielle Goter, Austin Gunderson, & Karlei Neufeld

07/16/2021 Notice to Defendant and Consent to ITV Index # 454

07/16/2021 Response Index # 455
State's Fourth Discovery Response and Witness List, Reciprocal Request for Discovery and Notice of Intent to Use Evidence

07/16/2021 Information Index # 456
2nd Amended Information

07/16/2021 Service Document Index # 457
Certificate of Service on Luke Heck, Bruce Quick, and Jesse Walstad

07/16/2021 Notice Index # 458
Supplemental Notice of Expert Testimony

07/16/2021 Exhibit Index # 459
State's Exhibit 1 - Curriculum Vitae for Supervisory Special Agent Patrick Lenertz

07/16/2021 Exhibit Index # 460
State's Exhibit 2 - Curriculum Vitae for Special Agent Alex Droske

07/16/2021 Exhibit Index # 461
State's Exhibit 3 - Curriculum Vitae for Detective Derek Bernier

07/16/2021 Service Document Index # 462
Certificate of Service on Luke Heck, Bruce Quick, and Jesse Walstad

07/18/2021 Request Index # 463
Request for Expanded Media by Forum Communications by Jack McDonald

07/18/2021 Proposed Order Index # 464
Proposed Expanded Media Order from Media by Jack McDonald

07/18/2021 Service Document Index # 465
Certificate of Service on Attorneys Heck, Bruce Quick, Hushka, Walstad, Friese, Goter, Gunderson and NeufeldLawyer, Becher, Hewett, R. Sand, W. Sand, and Balzer

07/19/2021 Proposed Order Index # 466
Proposed Witness Sequestration Order by Jesse Walstad

07/19/2021 Service Document Index # 467
Affidavit of Service Upon Gabrielle Goter, Austin Gunderson, and Karlei Neufeld

07/20/2021 Service Document Index # 468
Affidavit of Service by Hand on Luke Heck, Bruce Quick, and Jesse Walstad

08/02/2021 Felony Jury Trial (9:00 AM) (Judicial Officer Reich, David E)
08/02/2021, 08/03/2021, 08/04/2021, 08/05/2021, 08/06/2021, 08/09/2021, 08/10/2021, 08/11/2021, 08/12/2021, 08/13/2021, 08/16/2021, 08/17/2021, 08/18/2021, 08/19/2021, 08/20/2021
03/02/2020 Reset by Court to 09/14/2020
09/14/2020 Reset by Court to 11/30/2020
11/30/2020 Continued to
06/07/2021 - Continuance - COVID-19 - Isaak, Chad Trolon; State of North Dakota
06/07/2021 Reset by Court to 08/02/2021

linK: https://publicsearch.ndcourts.gov/CaseDetail.aspx?CaseID=4208012

 

[Seattle1]

Chad Isaak trial moved back to Morton County Courthouse, proceeding on schedule

July 16, 2021

BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) - After two years and multiple setbacks, the trial for Chad Isaak is taking place two weeks from Monday. Judge David Reich moved the trial from the House chambers at the State Capitol back to the Morton County Courthouse.

Isaak, who is accused of murdering four RJR employees in Mandan in April 2019, appeared Friday for a pre-trial conference with his council. Defense and State attorneys discussed jury questions, and plan to provide jurors with a list of witnesses for expediency to ensure the trial is fair and efficient.

[..]

The trial is scheduled for three weeks starting August 2nd. Judge Reich expects jury selection to last two days and evidentiary proceedings to begin on August 4th.

 

[Seattle1]

Isaak says he will consider representing himself in capital murder case

May 5, 2021

MANDAN, N.D. (KFYR) - During a status conference hearing this afternoon, accused killer Chad Isaak said he would consider representing himself after his lead attorney filed a motion to withdraw as his counsel.

When lead attorney Robert Quick filed to withdraw as counsel, he stated his entire defense team would be left with no representation.

In court, Isaak said he was unaware he would be left with no one.

The issue stems from a complaint that was filed against Robert Quick last Thursday.

[..]

Now the issue is, who will represent the accused murder?

“I did not know that if I filed a justified complaint, that it would result in all five attorney’s being forced off the case,” said Isaak.

Isaak says he might act[k] as his own counsel.

“I am going to seriously consider representing myself,” said Isaak.

He says he feels comfortable making a case for himself.

“I’m comfortable asking questions, I’m comfortable delivering opening and closing arguments, but I don’t have access to technology and I need to know how to subpoena people so that is the only drawback to self-representation,” said Isaak.

But the Judge disagrees, calling the idea risky.

[..]

_____________________

I missed the earlier. Wow -- can you believe the arrogance of this monster?

 

[Seattle1]

Quick removed from murder case; Vogel Law Firm to represent Chad Isaak

May 7, 2021

[..]

In the motion, Quick requested four additional attorneys from Vogel Law Firm be removed from the case. The court did not agree.

“The court concludes there is no evidence, or even an assertion, in the record that the Vogel Attorneys are unable to continue representing the defendant due to a conflict of interest or otherwise.”

Luke Heck, Bruce Quick, Drew Hushka, and Mark Friese are Isaak’s new retained attorneys.