Grand jury to be called in Moon slaying

Crow Wing County Attorney Don Ryan today said he would convene a grand jury in regard to the Billie Joe Moon murder case.

Ryan wouldn't say what the grand jury would consider in Moon's murder case. By state law a grand jury can hear any criminal case, but certain criminal charges only can be brought by a grand jury, such as premeditated first-degree murder.

James Moon Jr., 34, was charged March 12 with second-degree murder and first-degree manslaughter for the Feb. 16 death of his brother, Billie Joe Moon, Brainerd.

The proceedings and deliberation of a grand jury are, by state law, secret.

James Moon and another Brainerd man, Michael Long, were arrested March 10 at the Law Enforcement Center in Brainerd. Long is charged with second-degree aiding of a murder for allegedly fabricating information about Billie Moon's murder and trying to mislead investigators.

Both Moon and Long are being held in the Crow Wing County jail. Their next court appearances are scheduled for March 28.