Mindy Morgenstern Case Update: Moe Gibbs' Life behind bars
Explore Moe Gibbs’ life behind bars and how Mindy Morgenstern’s tragic crime still shapes justice reform and raises awareness about community safety today.
In September 2006 22-year-old college senior Mindy Morgenstern was found murdered in her off-campus apartment in Valley City, North Dakota. She suffered from multiple sclerosis, but was a lively college student, and a youth basketball coach in her community. Mindy was adored by the people around her and she was only 22 years old. Mindy's body was discovered with a belt around her neck, a broken knife in her throat, and doused in pine-sol to attempt to destroy evidence. The brutality of the murder made it shocking for a small, close-knit town and it promoted an extensive investigation.
Investigators were able to obtain DNA evidence from under Mindy's nails, which lead to Moe Gibbs. He was a 29-year-old former corrections officer and neighbor of Mindy's. Not only did Gibbs' DNA match with that of Mindy's, but it also matched with unsolved evidence from a 2004 sexual assault case, therefore heightening suspicions about him. Investigators also uncovered that Gibbs was in prison for a drive-by shooting but was released and had also changed his name in 2005. There were reports of multiple female inmates even alleging sexual assault claims against him from his time working at Barnes County Jail. It became clear that investigators had acquired disturbing documents of a violent past man.
Mindy Morgenstern’s killer jailed for life; true crime shows revive case and justice issues
Gibbs was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault and was originally tried twice for the murder of Mindy. The first trial ended in a hung jury, but the second trial resulted in his conviction and he was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole. He has been unsuccessful in all his appeals and remains incarcerated at the North Dakota State Penitentiary. Mindy’s case opened a door to many issues related to the correctional system and the need for adequate background checks.
Mindy’s case became relevant again through investigative series, including NBC’s Dateline and Oxygen’s an Unexpected Killer. In the series, viewers were given detail of the crime, the investigation, and the trial that helped gain national attention. The programs also highlighted forensic evidence in helping solve crimes and the strength of Mindy’s family and the community in getting justice for her.
Gibbs jailed after failed appeal; Mindy’s case sparks justice reform awareness
Since the conclusion of Gibbs's trial, he has been incarcerated at the North Dakota State Penitentiary, located in Bismarck. In 2008, The Globe said Gibbs attempted to appeal, claiming his conviction was improper because there was insufficient evidence.
State Attorney Brad Cruff questions witness Lacey Undem during Moe Gibbs' murder trial, a pivotal moment in the pursuit of justice for Mindy Morgenstern. Photo: Will Kincaid
The tragic murder of Mindy Morgenstern has highlighted the presence of danger in our communities. Mindy's story shows us that we need to be aware of this danger, the need for reform in the criminal justice system, and the ripple effect on the victims' families and communities of violent crime. Mindy's case has helped create awareness about these important issues, and her case will continue to live on.
