Downtown Palmer is a bright scene this time of year. Colorful lights line the storefronts as people go to and from Colony Christmas events. However, it is tough to go anywhere in the area without overhearing conversations about the death of 16-year-old David Grunwald.
Authorities arrested four more teenagers in connection with Grunwald’s death Friday — 16-year-old Dominic Johnson, 18-year-old Devin Peterson, 19-year-old Austin Barrett and 16-year-old Bradley Renfro. Erick Almandinger, the first suspect arrested in the case, faces additional charges of second-degree murder and tampering with evidence, following original charges of first- and second-degree murder and kidnapping.
“I’m glad that the investigators appear to have taken their time making sure that they have all of the facts and they seem to be doing a really good job in a short amount of time,” said Rosemary Myrick, who lives in the Valley.
One sentiment was clear among many at the Colony Christmas event: they want the justice system to do its job of holding the people responsible accountable.
“Everybody’s worried that people get let off early,” said Palmer resident Marie Aaberg. “We don’t want them to get let off or a lower sentence or something just because there’s too many people.”
Others were trying to comprehend what led to Grunwald’s death and why those closest to the teen have been charged.
“Death of a young man for a bag of pot just don’t quite add up to me,” said Finis Shelden, referencing details recently revealed in court documents. “Let justice take its course and prevail.”
The four teens were arraigned Saturday morning in Palmer.
KTVA 11’s Eric Ruble can be reached via email or on Facebook and Twitter.
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