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Murder suspect set for mental evaluation

Branden Scott O'Connor, 21, was arraigned Oct. 7, on multiple criminal counts stemming from the alleged murder of Jeremy Brandon Frye, 20, of Pahrump, whose body was found Aug. 21. The outcome of the suspect's appearance is that he will be sent to a facility for a mental health evaluation. O'Connor, who is in custody, is also facing charges filed in June, for burglary, grand larceny and several counts of possession of a controlled substance in two separate cases.

Beckett pre-trial

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Nye County District Attorney Robert Beckett made a brief appearance Oct. 3, in San Bernardino County Superior Court in Barstow, Calif., on a charge of drunken driving. His pre-trial was continued to Nov. 21. The charge stems from a California Highway Patrol officer's report at the scene of Beckett's June 15 rollover crash, about 35 miles from Shoshone, Calif., where Beckett rolled his personally-owned van. Earlier that day, Beckett wrecked his county-issued vehicle, also near Shoshone. No charges were issued in the first crash.

Assault for firing

David Joseph West, 55, was arrested Sept. 21, on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, discharging a firearm in public, discharging a firearm where persons are in danger and discharging a firearm from a motor vehicle.

The Nye County Sheriff's Office was called about a man with a gun chasing another person. When deputies arrived they determined the suspect and victims were at a party when West reportedly grabbed a 16-year-old girl by the waist without her permission.

Adam Harris, 24, took offense and began to argue with West, who left the scene only to return a short while later with a firearm. He allegedly fired his weapon in front of the residence where the party was being held.

The girl left the residence and was chased by West as he continued to fire his weapon from his vehicle. West was taken into custody after a search warrant was executed on his residence. Bail was set for the Pahrump resident at $11,112.

Court sentences

The following cases were among those heard by Judge John P. Davis in the 5th Judicial District Court in Pahrump on the morning of Oct. 7.

* Pancracio Perez-Soto, 24, of Mexico, appeared for arraignment. He has been in custody in the county jail for four months on charges relating to a controlled substance.

Perez-Soto pleaded guilty to a gross misdemeanor, giving up his right to a jury trial. His public defender noted he had spent three months in custody in Las Vegas before his stint in Pahrump and that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would probably pick him up and send him back to Mexico when he was released from jail.

Davis said the man could serve up to one year in county jail for his gross misdemeanor charge.

* Karen Madsen pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft. Her sentence of one year in the county jail was suspended for three years probation with the stipulation she pays restitution and undergoes counseling.

Madsen, who was arrested in July, said, "I am very sorry for what I did."

* Anna Delk, 52, charged with attempted theft, was sentenced to 12-32 months incarceration but given probation provided she attends a mental health counseling program and abstains from alcohol and gambling.

Her public defender made a case for Delk, noting "She's been on this planet for many years ... she has no criminal past ... her addiction got to her".

He asked for her restitution amount to be cut in half, "due to puffery," and for a reduction from felony to gross misdemeanor. The judge said he will consider the reduction in charges if Delk first lives up to the agreements of her probation.