After a preliminary hearing Thursday, Jeremiah Solis, 19 of Eagle River was bound over to enter pleas January 8 to homicide by negligent handling of a dangerous weapon and homicide with a firearm while under the influence of a controlled substance in the death of Connor Stephens of Three Lakes last September 3 in an apartment at 421 East Wall Street in Eagle River.
Vilas County District Attorney Martha Milanowski called one witness, Eagle River police officer Mark Collins, who testified he found Solis applying pressure to a wound on Stephens chest, who later died.
Defense attorney Albert Moustakis stipulated it was Solis who had the gun, a Smith and Wesson 40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with a laser sight, when it fired. The gun was found on a table with the clip in it. Solis described to officers in interviews they were passing the gun around and the clip was in his pocket. He said he manipulated the slide and no bullet came out so he thought it was empty, pulled the trigger, and it fired.
Solis said he bought the gun at a gun show at the Eagle River hockey arena but when officer Collins was asked if authorities identified the selling vendor, they have not, but are still trying.
Vilas County Judge Neal Nielsen, III found probable cause a felony was committed and set January 8 for Solis to enter a plea. He remains free on a $20,000 signature bond.
