On April 17, more than a week before the fatal shooting of Diren Dede by Markus Kaarma, Kaarma's home was burglarized by two other Big Sky High school students. Those two students, Michael Martin and Tristan Staber were the first witnesses to take the stand at the Kaarma trial on December 4.

Staber was called as the first witness, and told the jury that he and another friend had "garage hopped" at Kaarma's home and that the friend had taken a bong from the garage. He also claims to have received a death threat call after the robbery, presumably from Kaarma himself.

Staber was charged with conspiracy to commit burglary and spent time in jail after being caught.

The defense questioned Staber if his use of marijuana combined with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder had effected his memory. Staber said "yes."

When Prosecutor Karla Painter asks Staber if someone caught burglarizing a garage deserves to shot and killed. He said no. Staber also said many have blamed him for Dede's death due to the burglary he participated in on the 17th.

After Staber, Michael Martin took the stand and said to describe the events of April 17, noting that he had found a bong, weed, a grinder and a wallet in the garage. The wallet was found in an open truck, it contained no money, but he did take a credit card from the wallet. Staber also claims to have taken a cell phone, the phone rang and a message on the phone said it was being tracked and that it should be brought back.

Martin added that he felt "partially responsible" for Dede's shooting because he participated in the prior robbery.

Photo courtesy of Peter Christian
Photo courtesy of Peter Christian
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