An Eagle River man, Jeremiah Solis, 30, appeared in Vilas County court Monday for his initial appearance on two homicide charges as a result of an incident in early Sept on Wall Street resulting in the shooting death of Connor Stephens. Vilas County District Attorney Martha Milanowski filed a charge of homicide by firearm with having a controlled substance, marijuana. A second charge filed was homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon.
According to the criminal complaint, Officer Mark Collins was dispatched to 421 East Wall Street on Sept 3 and allegedly observed Solis applying pressure to a gunshot wound in the upper right chest area of Stephens. Stephens was transported by emergency personnel and dispatch indicated at 12:05 am Sept 4 that he died.
During questioning at the Sheriff's department, Solis admitted to allegedly having two drinks and smoking marijuana that evening. He indicated he bought the Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol Sept 1 at the Eagle River gun show and went to the Vilas County shooting range and fired 40 shots, saving 10 for the clip. The complaint indicated he wanted to show the gun off and put the clip in, cocked the gun and saw a bullet fly out. He said later he pulled the slide back and didn't see a bullet fly out and thought it was empty. The report says he then pulled the trigger and it fired, hitting Stephens.
Defense attorney Al Moustakis indicated they would waive the time limits for a preliminary hearing and would file motions on the sufficiency of the complaint asking for dismissal. Vilas County Judge Neal Nielsen set November 13 for defense motions and the preliminary hearing for December 14. Solis remains free on a $20,000 signature bond.
