Spencer Moen’s appeal for a new trial is rejected by North Dakota Supreme Court

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) — North Dakota Supreme Court has rejected Spencer Moen’s appeal for a new trial.

The opinion was unanimous in affirming the criminal judgment against the West Fargo man.

Moen argues the district court violated his constitutional right to confront witnesses because it failed to comply with statutory requirements for allowing remote testimony by child witnesses.

Last December, Moen was sentenced to life in prison without parole for the beating death of his wife Sonja.

During sentencing, members of Sonja’s family made heart-breaking statements on how her death has impacted them and the couples three kids.

Moen’s lawyer had requested a sentence of 20 years.

Cass County District Judge Nicholas Chase said Spencer had multiple opportunities to end his assault on Sonja, or to seek help while she laid in a bathtub dying in August 2023.