Fort Dodge Man Convicted Of Murder Seeks New Trial

The Fort Dodge Messenger is reporting that Joshua Pendelton is seeking a new trial. He was convicted in April of killing Rev. Al Henderson. The Ocotber 2019 incident left dead Henderson dead outside of the St. Paul Lutheran Church of Fort Dodge.

The Messenger reports, that Pendelton’s attorney claims the guilty verdict contradicted evidence that displayed he legally insane, when the murder occurred. Pendelton’s trial was held in Scott County after being moved to do to being high profile. The trial last five days and the jury returned the guilty verdict after less than 4 hours of deliberation.

Pendleton has a history of schizophrenia. His attorney claimed Pendelton was having hallucinations and that’s what led him to attack and kill Rev. Henderson.

A motion for the new trial has been filed, if denied Pendelton faces a mandatory life sentence.