Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HOLDREGE — Yesterday afternoon, the Phelps County Attorney’s Office filed charges against Brock W. Schneider, age 35, of Axtell, in connection to the multi-vehicle accident, that occurred at the intersection of Highway 6/34 and Road T in Phelps County on the evening of Aug. 15, 2025.
After conducting a thorough review of the reports and evidence gathered through the investigation conducted by the Nebraska State Patrol and Phelps County Sheriff’s Office, an arrest warrant was obtained from the Phelps County Court authorizing the arrest of Mr. Schneider. Pursuant to that warrant, Mr. Schneider was arrested without incident last evening with assistance from the Kearney County Sheriff’s Department. Mr. Schneider was subsequently booked into the Phelps County Jail and is currently being held on a $200,000/10% bond.
The complaint filed by the Phelps County Attorney’s Office alleges a total of 7 counts. These charges consist of three counts of Motor Vehicle Homicide which alleges Mr. Schneider was driving while intoxicated at the time of the accident (Class IIA Felonies), three counts of Manslaughter (Class IIA Felonies), and one count of Assault in the 2nd Degree (a Class IIA Felony).
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 (age 67), of Holdrege
-Randall Franklin (age 36), of Funk
-Justin Mason (age 34), of Arapahoe
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.
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 (age 35) of Minden
Should he be convicted of either Motor Vehicle Homicide or Manslaughter in connection with the deaths of Mr. Martin, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Mason, and convicted also for the Assault in the 2nd Degree charge brought in connection with Ms. Kahle, Mr. Schneider could face up to 80 years imprisonment as well as a possible 15-year revocation of his driving privileges.
