Moorhead man accused of killing roommate can't withdraw guilty plea, judge rules It’s unclear when Ethan Broad will be sentenced, but it is inevitable now that a judge ruled he knowingly, intelligently and voluntarily admitted to murdering Dystynee Avery last year. 12:56 pm, May 12, 2021 × Ethan Broad MOORHEAD — A Moorhead man accused of killing and dismembering his roommate last year will not be allowed to withdraw his guilty plea, a judge ruled this week. Clay County Judge Tammy Merkins denied a bid on Tuesday, May 11, by Ethan Martin Broad, 28, to go to trial for the April 3, 2020, death of 19-year-old Dystynee Avery. Broad pleaded guilty in January to a charge of second-degree felony murder without intent.