BISMARCK — The 40-year-old murder case involving Werner Kunkel has turned into a legal game of chess.

There are three possible endings: Kunkel, the convicted killer, remains in prison for the rest of his life, he is released and deported to his native Germany, or it could be determined he was wrongly convicted and set free.

Normally, when someone is denied parole, they have to wait at least two years for another chance at freedom. However, the parole board hinted 65-year-old Werner Kunkel may only have to wait a few months.

"That way we control for at least a few short months where Mr. Kunkel will be," said Pat Wier of the North Dakota Parole Board.

The Devils Lake man was denied parole again on Tuesday, Nov. 4. He is serving a life sentence for stabbing Gilbert Fassett nearly 100 time

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