GRAND FORKS – A Grand Forks man accused of murdering another local man was ordered Monday, Aug. 12, to undergo a psychological evaluation and an evaluation of his criminal responsibility before his criminal trial can proceed.

Nicholas Jon Narveson, 27, appeared in court Monday morning. He was taken from the Grand Forks County Correctional Center, where he is being held on $1 million bail.

According to an affidavit filed in the case, Narveson is accused of shooting 53-year-old James Erwin Jorgenson multiple times while they were at Sledsters Food & Brew, a downtown bar.

Jorgenson was pronounced dead at the scene.

No information has been released about whether the men knew each other, whether there were any verbal or physical altercations leading up to the shooting, or whether there were any similar circumstances surrounding the alleged crime.

Witnesses reported seeing Narveson pull out a gun, shoot Jorgenson and flee the bar. He was found nearby and arrested without incident, the affidavit states.

On Friday, August 9, Narveson’s attorney, David Neil Ogren, filed a motion to have his client remanded for evaluation and to stay the case pending the outcome.

During Monday’s hearing, which was originally scheduled as a preliminary hearing and arraignment, Andrew Eyre – representing the state – said he had no objection.

Judge Kristi Venhuizen granted the requests.