Rochester ‘Self Defense’ Murder Trial Begins Monday

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - A Rochester murder trial is scheduled to begin Monday in Olmsted County Court.

On trial is 26-year-old Alexander Weiss, who shot and killed a teenager in January 2018 - a shooting he claims was in self-defense.

Weiss and 17-year-old Muhammed Rahim got into a confrontation after the teenager’s car slid off the road and then collided with Weiss’ vehicle after he stopped to see if his help was needed. Weiss got his gun from his car and moments later, shot Rahim in the chest.

During a pre-trial hearing last week, Weiss’ attorney submitted a motion to elicit testimony regarding Rahim’s “reputation for violence and intimidation.” He is also seeking to prevent the prosecution “from eliciting testimony regarding a bumper sticker on the defendant’s vehicle.”

The case will be prosecuted by senior assistant county attorney Eric Woodford.

Jury selection is expected to begin Monday before Judge Joseph Chase. He has been told the trial is expected to run two weeks.

News update: The Noor trial is winding down.