Rochester, MN - (KROC-AM News) - The defense in an upcoming Rochester murder trial is seeking to have the jury also hear about the victim’s behavior and background.

The request has been filed in the case of Alexander Weiss, who is charged with 2nd-degree murder in the 2018 shooting death of 17-year-old Mohammed Rahim. Weiss claims he shot in self-defense during a confrontation that broke out after the two were involved in a minor traffic crash.

Olmsted County ADC
Olmsted County ADC
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An Olmsted County jury was unable to reach a verdict during his first trial earlier this year. A second trial is scheduled to begin Oct 14th.

Defense attorney James McGeeney has filed a motion to present testimony to the jury regarding Muhim’s “reputation for violence and intimidation.”

He includes two criminal cases involving assaultive behavior. His motion also seeks to present testimony that Rahim had used Xanax and marijuana the night before the deadly encounter, had possession of brass knuckles the morning he was shot and had engaged in robberies prior to the accident.

It’s possible the presiding judge will deal with the motion during a pre-trial hearing scheduled next Thursday.

Mohammed Rahim memorial - this has been updated several times/photo from Kim David/TSM
Mohammed Rahim memorial - this has been updated several times/photo from Kim David/TSM
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