March trial set in child murder case

The trial for an Evergreen man accused of murdering a toddler will take place in March, according to a new case schedule established on Thursday.

Brandon Lee Walter Newberry, 21, is facing one count of deliberate homicide. He was arrested in February following the death of 2-year-old Forrest Groshelle, who died of blunt-force trauma injuries.

During a status hearing in Flathead County District Court, attorneys agreed to start the trial on March 14.

At the hearing, District Judge Heidi J. Ulbricht also brought up a letter that Newberry wrote in early August. He claimed ineffective counsel by his two public defenders, Vicki Fraizer and Greg Rapkoch.

In the handwritten letter, Newberry said the attorneys haven’t interviewed the witnesses he requested and the case wasn’t moving forward in a timely manner.

According to court records, Newberry said that he had changed his mind and wanted to keep Frazier and Rapkoch as his attorneys. He also agreed to the March trial date.

On Feb. 17, Newberry dialed 911 and told dispatchers that Groshelle was unresponsive. He would watch the child while the mother — Newberry’s girlfriend — was away, according to court documents.

An autopsy revealed that the toddler died from blunt force trauma to the abdomen. Newberry allegedly admitted  “roughhousing” with the child previously.

Ulbricht is the third judge on this case. A gag order is in place that restricts those involved from speaking with the media.

Newberry pleaded not guilty to homicide on Feb. 26. He could face up to 100 years in prison if convicted. He remains in the Flathead County Detention Center.

The next court matter in this case is an omnibus hearing Oct. 19.

Reporter Matt Hudson may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at mhudson@dailyinterlake.com.