CUSTER COUNTY— A 43 year maximum sentence in prion could be waiting for an Ansley man, who allegedly caused the death of a South Dakota man in October 2018.
David Skeels, 66 of Ansley, appeared in Custer County Court on Monday, March 25 and is facing four counts that include motor vehicle homicide (class IIIA felony), two counts of second degree assault (each a class IIA felony), and reckless driving (class III misdemeanor). Skeels appeared for his first appearance on the charges with his attorney Michael Borders.
Skeels was driving a semi and grain trailer east on Cumro Road, south of Ansley and impacted the side of a pickup that was traveling south on NE Highway 183 on October 23, 2018.
The semi impacted passenger side of the pickup at the intersection killing the passenger instantly and sending the driver to the hospital in Kearney. Skeels was also transported by ambulance to Jennie M. Melham Memorial Medical Center. Skeels will now appear for a preliminary hearing on April 29 at 2:30 PM.
Marrisa Stephens, 27 of Broken Bow, made her first appearance in the Custer County Courtroom on three separate charges of child abuse not resulting in injury (each a class IIIA felony).
Stephens also asked for a court appointed attorney where Michael Borders was initially appointed, but it was unknown at the time if there would be a conflict. Stephens will now appear for her preliminary hearing on April 1 at 1:30 PM.
Carlos Riol, 36 of Broken Bow, appeared on charges of strangulation (class IIIA felony) and 3rd degree domestic assault (class I misdemeanor). Riol asked for a court appointed attorney and Gary Peterson was assigned, as he is also representing Riol in another case.
Riol did also ask for his bond to be reduced to personal recognizance which was agreed on by county attorney Steve Bowers. He will now appear for preliminary hearing on April 29 at 2 PM.
Bryan Baker, 56 of Merna, appeared on charges of 2nd degree assault (class II felony), theft (class I misdemeanor), and 2nd degree trespassing (class III misdemeanor). Michael Borders was appointed by the court to represent Baker in the case.
Baker also asked for a bond review which was heard by the court, but remained the same at 10% of $15,000. His preliminary hearing will now be held on April 15 at 2:30 PM
Eric Roney, 28 of Broken Bow, appeared in court on three counts including use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony (class II felony), terroristic threats (class III felony), and 3rd degree assault (class I misdemeanor). Roney claimed multiple times in court that he only hit his brother and not the victim that was listed on the complaint filed to the court.
Roney was also appointed public defender Michael Borders to represent his case. A bond review was also heard where it was determined that the bond would remain at the 10% of $75,000. Roney will appear for his preliminary hearing on April 15 at 2:30 PM.
The final case of the day was Shawn Shidemantle, 46 of Broken Bow, as he appeared for terroristic threats (class IIIA felony) and false reporting (class I misdemeanor). Initially, Shidemantle waived his right to an attorney and elected to represent himself, but after conversation it was asked that he be appointed the public defender.
Judge Schendt did elect to appoint Michael Borders to represent Shidemantle, but told him that if he wanted to self-represent later, he could. A bond review was heard where it remained the same at 10% of $75,000. He will appear for his preliminary hearing on April 15 at 2:30 PM.
