Mablin trial gets under way

By Danica Baker
Herald Staff Writer

May 20, 2008 10:48 am

— CLINTON — Testimony from witnesses for the prosecution was set to begin at 8:45 this morning in the trial of a Clinton man accused of first-degree murder.
Benaiah Mablin, 26, of 100 Sixth Ave North, Clinton, was arrested Dec. 15 and charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Sandra R. Chambers-Singh, 41, who was discovered in her residence at 519 S. Third St. Apt. 3, just after 5 p.m. Dec. 13.
Jury selection concluded Monday afternoon and Clinton County Attorney Mike Wolf offered his opening statement to the eight-woman, four-man jury with two male alternates. Defense attorney Bruce Ingham also gave an opening statement and offered a motion to suppress evidence in the case. District Court Judge Mark Cleve denied the motion.
Court documents state Mablin admitted to stabbing Chambers-Singh multiple times in the neck and torso after visiting her in her apartment that night. Mablin pleaded not guilty to the charges Dec. 17. On May 9, Ingham filed a notice to the court that he intends to present a defense of insanity and/or diminished responsibility.