The Free Press, Mankato, MN

Local News

January 17, 2007

Authorities seek Free Press notes on shooting

By Robb Murray

Authorities will ask a judge next month to order three Free Press journalists to testify about their role and hand over notes regarding the stand-off situation in Amboy.

A sheriff’s deputy on Tuesday served papers to Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Dan Nienaber and Nick Hanson. All were involved in The Free Press’ reporting of the Dec. 23 standoff between police and Jeff Skjervold of Amboy, who ended the standoff by taking his own life.

Each was notified that on Feb. 2 prosecutors from the Blue Earth County Attorney’s office will have their request heard by Judge Norb Smith.

Spear says the newspaper will oppose the request.

“We believe it’s important to our readers and sources that they can trust us when they talk to us and not everything will be given to law enforcement,” Spear said. “We have to maintain our independence.”

Prosecutors, while saying little, are clearly pursuing a case against someone.

Pat McDermott, assistant Blue Earth County Attorney, confirmed the request for The Free Press’ information is part of a criminal investigation stemming from the standoff. He declined to specify who the focus of the investigation was.

“I’m perplexed,” said Mark Anfinson, an attorney representing The Free Press. “Normally, when it comes from law enforcement, it’s pretty clear what crime is being prosecuted.”

Free Press reporter Hanson was on the scene as the situation in Amboy unfolded. When his attempts to get information from law enforcement yielded nothing, the newspaper brought in other reporters to help, a typical practice on major news events.

Nienaber, who covers the public safety beat, was one them. Without knowing the suspect’s name, he began making calls hoping to reach neighbors. Instead of a neighbor, he reached Skjervold and conducted a short interview.

Skjervold told Nienaber he’d been shot, and that he had shot two officers. (Nienaber later confirmed that with authorities. The officers shot were Mankato police officer Rob Sadusky and St. Peter police officer Chris Nelson.)

Law enforcement found out Skjervold was talking to someone at The Free Press. They called Spear, and after an argument, Spear agreed The Free Press would refrain from further calls to Skjervold.

The Free Press, meanwhile, has had little success getting authorities to comment on what went on that night. The newspaper submitted a written request for basic information that still hasn’t been released and for a more detailed report. As of Tuesday, there had been no response to that request.

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