Local Court News, (Central Nebraska Today)
HOLDREGE — An Axtell man charged with three counts of motor vehicle homicide after a fiery crash near Funk pleaded not guilty in Phelps County District Court.
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.
During a hearing in early October, Schneider pleaded not guilty to all the charges. The court granted 60 to 90 days to obtain and exchange discovery for a future trial. A pre-trail hearing was set for Dec. 10 at 12 p.m.
Schneider posted bail in the amount of $18,000.
The case stems from a fiery multi-vehicle accident that took place near the intersection of Highway 6/34 and Roat 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.
