Collan J. Sheppard appeared for arraignment in Missoula District Court and pleaded not guilty to the felony charge of attempted deliberate homicide. Prosecutors amended an earlier charge of assault with a weapon after investigators uncovered additional details of the stabbing, and determined that a more serious criminal offense was justified.
However, if at trial jurors determine Sheppard is innocent of attempted deliberate homicide, they may consider the assault with a weapon charge as an alternative.
According to an amended complaint filed by Deputy Missoula County Attorney Jason Marks, 19-year-old Jerry B. Stewart was stabbed early Sept. 20 during a party at 1117 Cleveland St. The incident apparently was provoked by a drinking game called beer pong, according to charging papers.
“All of the witnesses agreed that a verbal argument started over the rules of the beer pong game and that Sheppard and Stewart were involved in the argument,” records state. “Witnesses said the argument escalated ... and a physical fight started.”
Sheppard ran from the house, but turned himself over to Missoula police officials several hours later, records state, breaking into a nearby house to call 9-1-1.
Stewart was hospitalized with a severed artery in his arm and a severe gash across his abdomen. He is recovering from the injuries.
“His arm and stomach had both been cut open and he was bleeding profusely from a severed artery in his arm,” according to records.
Sheppard bonded out of jail shortly after his arrest.
He appeared at the Thursday court hearing alongside his attorney, Lance Jasper, who previously told the court he has good reason to believe Sheppard was acting in self-defense.
Marks said witness interviews lend no credence to that defense.
One of the conditions of Sheppard's continued release is that he get a chemical dependency evaluation and follow its recommendations.
Sheppard has no previous criminal history. If convicted of all charges, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.
Reporter Tristan Scott can be reached at 523-5264 or at tscott@missoulian.com.
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juniper wrote on Oct 28, 2008 12:07 PM:
" Life in prison? thats too long, i bet collan shep already has that life long punishment of guilt. i know that isn't enough but life in prison is not a proper approach. it sucks he stabbed the kid but do we want to judge ol' collan for this one stupid act? perhaps a crazy house wouldn't be so wrong. give the young man a chance to live. "
chris wrote on Oct 24, 2008 11:30 AM: