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Trial Begins in Motel Standoff

By Greg Bebermeyer

11/03/2016

(KNZA)--A jury trial has begun for a St. Joseph man accused of holding a woman hostage at a St. Joseph motel in October of last year.

45-year-old Roderick Ellis is charged with five felonies---kidnapping, first-degree domestic assault, assault on a law enforcement officer and two counts of armed criminal action---in connection with the October 14th, 2015 standoff.

The St. Joseph News Press reports testimony began Wednesday morning after a jury, selected from a pool from Clay County, was seated to hear the case and opening arguments.

Prosecutors allege Ellis forced Rebecca Urban, with whom he had been having an affair, to drive from her work to the Motel 6 on Frederick Boulevard where he allegedly shot her in the arm, dragged her into his motel room, and held her hostage for nearly 11 hours before surrounding to law enforcement.

Urban was treated at a Kansas City hospital following the ordeal. No officers were injured during the standoff.

If convicted on the charges, Ellis could spend the rest of his life in prison.

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