Man indicted for murder in feud killing

Published 10:23 am Thursday, October 23, 2014

ST. PAUL — A Minnesota man has been indicted for first-degree murder in the May killing of his neighbor in a deer-feeding feud.

A Ramsey County grand jury also indicted 57-year-old Neal Zumberge of New Brighton for first-degree attempted murder for shooting and wounding his neighbor’s girlfriend.

Authorities believe Zumberge fired a semiautomatic shotgun at Todd Stevens and Jennifer Damerow-Cleven on May 5, killing Stevens.

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Zumberge also remains charged with the initial counts filed against him — second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.

Defense attorney William Orth said Zumberge will plead not guilty to the indictment today.

Authorities allege that Zumberge shot at his neighbors because of a years-long feud about Stevens feeding deer in his yard. The trial is scheduled for Feb. 2, 2015.