A former Eagle River man, now of Hazelhurst, Jeremiah Solis, 21, plead no contest this week (4-18) in Vilas County court to one count of homicide in the shooting death of Connor Stephens on Sept. 3, 2017 at 421 Wall Street in Eagle River, was then found guilty by Vilas County Judge Neal Nielsen. Nielsen ordered a pre-sentence report from the Dept. of Corrections and set sentencing for June 24.
Originally charged with two homicide counts, Vilas County District Attorney Martha Milanowski, in a plea agreement, asked the court to dismiss count one and felony bail jumping charges and order a pre-sentence investigation (PSI) saying the state “would be bound by the PSI sentencing recommendation.”
Judge Nielsen dismissed the homicide by firearm with a controlled substance and the bail jumping charge. Solis then plead no contest to a second charge of homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon which carries a maximum prison term of 10 years. Defense attorney Al Moustakis indicated “we went over all discovery and discussed in detail his options including potential defenses and he wanted this case to be completed” adding “we want to argue the PSI sentencing recommendation if appropriate.”
Judge Nielsen accepted the no contest plea and found Solis guilty, ordered the PSI and set June 24 for sentencing. He also allowed Solis to remain free on the previously set bond. Court documents indicate Solis purchased a .40 caliber pistol at a gun show Sept. 1, 2017 at the Eagle River Sports Arena and fired 40 rounds at the Vilas County shooting range, While showing off the pistol in the Wall Street apartment he thought it was unloaded, pulled the trigger, and hit Stephens in the chest.
