Ryan D. Petersen doesn't refute that there's enough evidence to convict him of fatally shooting St. Paul law clerk Chase Passauer in April — all he's contesting is the allegation that his actions were planned rather than a spontaneous act of "unreasonable and delusional rage."
The distinction could mean the difference between automatic life in prison for the 37-year-old if he's convicted of first-degree premeditated murder or a maximum of 40 years in prison if he's convicted of second-degree murder with intent. He is also charged with illegal possession of a firearm.
Ramsey County District Judge William Leary is expected to issue a verdict in the case at 9 a.m. Friday. Petersen, of St. Paul, waived his right to a jury trial.
Defense attorney Gary Wolf said in his closing arguments Wednesday that with Petersen's permission, he would only argue that premeditation had not been proven.
Seeking clarification, Leary asked Petersen if he had conceded to all other elements of the charges and was only contesting premeditation.
"Yes, sir," Petersen said.
Petersen testified Tuesday he texted and called his attorney, Dan Adkins, on April 7 about a parking issue outside of his business and became upset that Adkins wasn't more responsive.
Petersen told the court that he drove to North Star Criminal Defense in the Cathedral Hill neighborhood to fire Adkins, and that he shot 23-year-old Passauer because of an "emotional explosion" triggered by Adkins' absence.
