A five day jury trial of Jeremiah Solis, 20, charged with homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and homicide while under the influence of a controlled substance, that was set to begin Feb. 4 has been postponed to April 30 after a hearing in Vilas County court Wednesday.
Solis, now of Hancock, Wisconsin is alleged to have handled a .40 caliber handgun in an apartment at 431 East Wall Street in Eagle River on September 3, 2017, when it discharged hitting Connor Stephens, 20, in the chest causing his death.
Defense attorney Albert Moustakis had asked to have their expert examine the handgun and the firing pin along with photos. Vilas County District Attorney Martha Milanowski told Vilas County Circuit Court Judge Neal Nielsen, III “the examination occurred yesterday (Jan. 22) and all evidence and photos are in the hands of the defense.”
Moustakis said he viewed the photos and sent them to his expert who will generate a report which will be shared with the state. He felt the February 4 trial date should be postponed. Judge Nielsen agreed and set pre-trial motions for April 18 and the jury trial to begin April 30. It's now anticipated the trial will last four days with the prosecution listing 24 possible witnesses.
