CUSTER COUNTY, Neb. – Adam Schaefer of Broken Bow was sentenced to a period of 15 to 20 years in prison in Custer County District Court on Thursday afternoon. He had pled no contest to the charge of intentional child abuse resulting in injury in May.
In October of last year, Broken Bow Police were called to Melham Medical center regarding a 15 day old infant with serious injuries including extensive bruising, brain bleeding, and a skull fracture.
Schaefer had initially said that the child had hit its head on the car door when he was putting the child into a car seat. In a later interview with the Nebraska State Patrol, Schaefer said he was taking the child for a ride in the car because the baby was fussing. He said that he ‘saw red’ and slapped the baby three times with an open hand before throwing the infant down in the car seat.
After being transported to Omaha for further evaluation, it was learned that the child also had a fractured pelvis.
During arguments ahead of sentencing, Custer County Attorney Steven Bowers pointed to the continued inconsistencies in Schaefer’s story about what happened and that medical staff said that the injuries the child suffered could be compared to those suffered in a car accident. He added that while Schaefer admits what he did, he continually ‘leans on the pressures he was under’. The state’s recommendation was a nearly 10 year period of incarceration with credit for time served.
Schaefer’s attorney Vikki Stamm said that Schaefer realizes the results of what he did and that he is learning more through continued counseling and classes. She asked the court to look at the ‘total picture’ when coming to a determination, understanding that nobody will fully understand the far-reaching effect of the injuries sustained by the child for some time. Stamm asked for a period of probation for Schaefer at a length of time the court finds appropriate.
Schaefer read from a piece of paper he brought to the courtroom, speaking to the child, the child’s mother, and family, breaking into tears near the midway point of his statement.
Judge Karin Noakes said that the case involved a lot of violence and that she was bothered by Schaefer’s continued pointing to his stresses in life being a contributing factor. She said there was absolutely no excuse for it happening, and that the victim and mother are likely to have lifelong medical expenses and challenges in an amount that is unknown.
Judge Noakes sentenced Schaefer to a period of 15 to 20 years incarceration with credit for 275 days served. He will have to serve a minimum of 7 1/2 years minus 275 days minimum before being eligible for parole.
Other Thursday court proceedings
Christina Page, age 45 of Miller, appeared for sentencing on probation violations. Her attorney, Matt Furrow, requested another continuance due to his client’s health issues, but the State objected. Judge Noakes granted the request, but stated it was “the last continuance”. Sentencing was rescheduled for August 21st.
Andrew N. Wall, age 38 and formerly of Roca, Nebraska, appeared remotely for a hearing to terminate his participation in problem solving court. Wall admitted to numerous violations of the agreement. Judge Noakes, followed a plea agreement between the State and defense, and sentenced Wall on the previous charges of possession of a controlled substance, a Class IV felony. He received 32 days in jail and was given credit for 32 days served.
Appearing for an early discharge of probation was Kyle T. Martin, age 33 of Merna. In March of 2022, Martin was sentenced to four years of probation after being found guilty of 2nd degree domestic assault, a Class IIIA felony. Judge Noakes found that Martin had met all probation requirements and approved the request for an early release.
