Estherville, Iowa — An Estherville teen’s murder trial is underway. It started with jury selection on Tuesday, June 21, 2016.
Emmet County Sheriff’s authorities say that 19-year old Lee Samuel Christensen is charged with First Degree Murder in connection with the June, 2015 death of then 19-year old Thomas Bortvit.
Bortvit’s family reported him missing on June 6th, 2015 and Estherville authorities, along with the help of volunteers, searched southern Estherville. Police and Emmet County Sheriff’s officers located Bortvit’s body late the next afternoon, and immediately launched an investigation into his disappearance and death.
The investigation resulted in First Degree Murder charges being filed against Christensen, who was found and arrested at the Minneapolis airport the following day.
First Degree Murder is a Class A Felony, and if he’s convicted, Christensen could face up to life in prison without the possibility for parole.
