(The published headline for this article was "Accused PR killer appears in court.")
By Brandon Stahl, Fergus Falls Daily Journal
A Pelican Rapids teen accused of stabbing and killing his roommate appeared in court Tuesday for a standard evidence disclosure hearing.
Juan Martin Morales, 18, was asked at the end of the brief hearing through a translator if he had any questions. He paused for several seconds before softly responding, "no."
Morales, who was previously known as Miguel Alejandro Ramos-Rivera through a work permit and is suspected of being an illegal alien, is accused of stabbing his roommate, Noe Israel Morales Ramos, during the early morning of April 17.
Ramos, who was previously known as Ernesto Carmona Matos from his state identification card, was also suspected of being an illegal alien, according to the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Department.
A fundraiser held Saturday in Pelican Rapids raised $1,630 to help cover costs for a funeral, according to Stacy Cruz, who helped organize the event.
Cruz said that a funeral date has not yet been set. Due to cost concerns, Cruz said Ramos' family initially wanted him to be buried in Pelican Rapids, but now the body, which was released Monday from Ramsey County, may still be shipped to Ramos' native Guatemala.
Whatever is decided, Cruz said, "We will have a service in Pelican so his friends and co-workers can remember him."
Cruz said that money can still be sent toward Matos' burial fund (see below).
Morales is being held in Otter Tail County jail on $1 million bail. He was assigned a public defender, Dan Madsen, who is currently working in the Moorhead public defenders' office.
Attorney Schan Sorkness, who filled in for Madsen Tuesday, said Morales will have an opportunity to plead within 28 days, or may elect to contest evidence brought against him by the state.
VICTIM AID
To contribute to Noe "Ernesto" Israel Morales Ramos burial fund, send checks to:
Lake County State Bank
P.O. Box 624
Pelican Rapids, MN 56572-0624
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