Gabrielle Skye Holvick's chief defense witnesses will be the three convicted murderers she allegedly helped escape.

Holvick's defense attorney, Peggy Rockow-Eskens wants Vernon Neal Powers, Jr., 29,

and two brothers, Scott Perry Christian, 31, and David Kenneth Christian, 29, to testify at the defendant's trial in June.

Holvick, 19 of Austin, is accused of aiding and abetting the trio's escape from the Mower County Jail in March 2001.

Holvick's trial is scheduled to begin June 24 in Mower County Third Judicial District Court.

At a hearing Wednesday, District Judge Donald E. Rysavy heard Rockow-Eskens say she will call the three individuals, all incarcerated at Oak Park Heights Maximum Security Prison, as witnesses for her client, Holvick.

Patrick A. Oman, Mower County Attorney, is prosecuting the case for the state of Minnesota. Oman did not object to calling the trio as witnesses.

However, the prosecutor expressed his concerns for security and recommended they be transferred to the Mower County courtroom individually.

They will be allowed to testify separate from each other.

During their incarceration in the Mower County Jail and prior to their escape March 25, 2001, the trio were involved in numerous incidents among the jail population.

At the trial in Hastings, the trio wore head gear and leg and arm restraints, while numerous security officers watched over the proceedings.

Chief Mower County Courthouse security officer Steve Sanvik told Judge Rysavy, "Our intention is to request maximum security at all times."

The Mower County Sheriff's Department would be responsible for the safe transfer of each prisoner from the maximum security prison to the Mower County courthouse for the trial.

Judge Rysavy said he did not want any restraints to be visible to a jury, but agreed special security precautions will have to be taken. Also, the judge said, "We don't want them in the Mower County Jail at the same time."

Holvick appeared in court with a friend Wednesday. Sitting at the side of her defense attorney, she listened attentively and answered the judge's queries.

After the hearing, Holvick and her friend left the courthouse without making comment to reporters.

Holvick's trial will bring closure to the crime saga that is almost two years old.

As far as the other defendants are concerned, Weinand is serving a 31-year sentence in prison for her role in the June 2000 crimes.

David Kenneth Christian is serving a term of 41 years..

Powers and Scott Perry Christian are serving two consecutive 30 year sentences o the murder charges and another 86 months sentences for each on the

assault charges.

The escape charges were dropped.

Lee Bonorden can be contacted at 434-2232 or by e-mail at :mailto:lee.bonorden@austindailyherald.com