Minot, N.D. (AP) Jurors were told today that D-N-A evidence under Mindy Morgenstern's fingernails points to Moe Gibbs as her killer.

Barnes County State's Attorney Brad Cruff talked about the evidence in his opening statement to jurors this morning. He also says a former inmate of Gibbs will testify against him.

Cruff said the 22-year-old Morgenstern was strangled with her own belt and stabbed with two of her kitchen knives by a powerful assailant.

Defense attorney Jeff Bredahl, said the D-N-A likely came from a doorknob in the apartment building where both Gibbs and Morgenstern lived. He said the inmate who will testify against Gibbs has a lengthy criminal history that includes giving a false statement to a police officer.

Bredahl also said Morgenstern was nearly decapitated, but no blood was found on Gibbs' clothes, shoes, apartment or car. He said other men were seen around the apartment building the day Morgenstern died, and she had a blondish brown hair in her hand that could not have come from Gibbs, who is bald.

The 34-year-old Gibbs is accused of killing Morgenstern last September. The body of Morgenstern, of New Salem, was found in her off-campus apartment.

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) APNP 06-27-07 1036CDT | save this article / add to your favorites list