FARGO, N.D. — Facing charges for the murder of his former girlfriend Jody Campbell, 61-year-old Randall Duffy entered a not guilty plea during his first in-person court appearance at the East Central District Court on Monday. This marked a significant pivot from Duffy’s initial court appearance via videoconference from the Cass County Jail, where his bail was set at $1 million.
The charge stems from a distressing incident earlier this year. According to court documents, Duffy dialed 911 on June 8, cryptically requesting authorities to “send someone” to his location. Upon the arrival of Fargo police at Duffy’s residence on 33rd Street South, he confronted them in the hallway, confessing to killing Campbell.
Inside the apartment, law enforcement discovered Campbell’s body concealed in a closet, as directed by Duffy. The subsequent investigation revealed a troubling narrative involving a dispute over a missing methamphetamine pipe, leading to a fatal altercation. Duffy claimed that during an argument, Campbell barred him from leaving the apartment, prompting him to place her in a headlock. He alleges to have left the apartment and returned about an hour later to find Campbell unresponsive, checking her vital signs and confirming her death. It was not until several hours later that Duffy alerted the police.
During Monday’s hearing, which required the state to demonstrate probable cause for the charges, Fargo Police Detective Tom Bernier provided a detailed account. Bernier noted that Duffy had appeared panicky after the incident and delayed contacting police. He also attended the autopsy, which confirmed that Campbell’s death was a homicide, with evidence suggesting strangulation as the cause.
Contributing to the state’s case, Detective Lucas Heck testified, expressing skepticism about Duffy’s claim that Campbell had physically prevented him from leaving. Heck underscored the considerable size difference between Duffy and Campbell, which he suggested made Duffy’s account less credible.
In defense, attorney Jaime Schaible highlighted reports from neighbors suggesting that Campbell could be the aggressor in their relationship. Neighbors described frequent verbal confrontations and even threats from Campbell towards Duffy, with one alleging Campbell had previously threatened Duffy with a knife.
The hearing also revealed details about the victim, a 59-year-old beloved server at the local Blackbird Woodfire pizza restaurant, known for her vibrant presence in the community. On the other hand, friends of Campbell strongly challenged Duffy’s portrayal of her, citing a complex and contentious relationship between the two. Further complicating the narrative, investigators found methamphetamine in Campbell’s system during the autopsy, along with drug paraphernalia in her belongings.
Amid the proceedings, Judge Nicholas Chase disclosed his prior familiarity with Blackbird Woodfire and its owners, seeking confirmation from all parties involved that he could still impartially handle the case. With approval granted, Chase concluded the hearing by affirming the validity of the charges but stressed that the state must prove its case against Duffy beyond a reasonable doubt in the upcoming trial, slated for Oct. 3.
As the community and the courtroom await further developments, the unresolved tensions and disputed accounts promise to evoke further scrutiny of the unfortunate events leading to Campbell’s tragic death.