MISSOULA — U.S. attorneys prosecuting a Kalispell woman charged with pushing her new husband off a cliff in Glacier National Park want to present evidence that she lied about being abused by former boyfriends and that she told someone in June that she could kill her parents, according to court records.
Documents filed Monday in the case against Jordan Linn Graham, 22, offer reasons why jurors should be allowed to hear that evidence. Graham is charged with first-degree murder in the July 7 death of Cody Lee Johnson, just eight days after their wedding. Her trial is set for Dec. 9. Jurors would also be given the option to convict her of second-degree murder.
Graham’s attorneys have said she pushed Johnson in self-defense.
Prosecutors say they have evidence that Graham lied about being abused in previous relationships.
“Presumably, her claims of self-defense revolve around allegations that Mr. Johnson had held her down for the purposes of talking, a position she has already advanced,” the documents read. Prosecutors say the evidence that she fabricated allegations of abuse in other relationships speaks to her state of mind and credibility.
Prosecutors said the statements Graham reportedly made in June about her mother and stepfather suggest that there was intent behind her husband’s death.
Documents filed by Graham’s attorneys this week indicate plea negotiations stalled on Nov. 20.
Attorney Michael Donahoe said he sought a settlement conference, but prosecutors responded that they could not consent to one because the solicitor general has taken the position that such a meeting violates a federal rule of criminal procedure. Donahoe is asking that prosecutors be required to explain their position.