Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HOLDREGE — The discovery process is currently ongoing in the case of an Axtell man who is who is charged with three counts of motor vehicle homicide after a fiery crash near Funk.
Brock Schneider, 35, has been charged with three counts of manslaughter, each a Class 2A felony, three counts of motor vehicle homicide – DUI, each a Class 2A felony and second-degree assault, Class 2A felony.
Schneider has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Schneider appeared in Phelps County District Court on Jan. 14 for a status hearing. Brian Davis, representing Schneider, requested a continuance to continue the discovery process.
“Prosecutors must provide the defendant copies of materials and evidence that the prosecution intends to use at trial. This process is called discovery, and continues from the time the case begins to the time of trial,” per the U.S. Department of Justice.
It was determined that a period of 60 days would be provided and the next hearing in the case has been set for March 16 at 11:20 a.m.
The case stems from a fiery multi-vehicle accident that took place near the intersection of Highway
6/34 and Road T in Phelps County during the evening of Aug. 15, 2025.
“The three Counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide and three Counts of Manslaughter are being sought in connection to the deaths of the three adult male occupants found deceased in the Chevy Silverado pickup that caught fire as a result of the accident. These three victims were previously identified as Wallace Martin 67, of Holdrege, Randall Franklin 36, of Funk, Justin Mason 34, of Arapahoe,” according to the Phelps County Attorney’s Office.
“Under Nebraska law, Mr. Schneider cannot be found guilty of both Motor Vehicle Homicide and Manslaughter so it will ultimately be up to a judge or jury to decide which, if any, of these two alternatives is best supported by the evidence presented by the State at trial,” per the Phelps County Attorney’s Office.
“The Assault in the 2nd Degree charge is being sought in connection with the injuries sustained by the driver of the GMC Suburban involved in the same incident. The driver of this vehicle was previously identified as Alyssa Kahle, 35, of Minden,” per the Phelps County Attorney’s Office.
Schneider could face up to 80 years imprisonment as well as a possible 15-year revocation of his driving privileges.
