Homicide Trial Begins

Monday, October 18, begins the trial of Jake J. Gonzalez, 19, of Lincoln, who is accused of the homicide of a two-year-old child in Fairbury earlier this year. The trial is scheduled to last two weeks and will be presided over by District Court Judge Vicky L. Johnson.Gonzalez is charged with child abuse resulting in death, a Class 1B felony, which carries a maximum penalty of life in prison. Gonzalez is also charged with terroristic threats, a Class 3A felony, which carries a maximum penalty of three years in prison, 18 months post-release supervision and a $10,000 fine.He was arrested on Friday, February 26, after the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were dispatched to an apartment building at the 700 block of J Street in Fairbury, where the victim was discovered unresponsive in a closet.The child was transported to Jefferson Community Health and Life by County Ambulance District #33. From there the child was flown via helicopter to Children’s Hospital in Omaha, where he later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. According to the Sheriff's Office, “Upon further investigation, it was suspected Gonzalez caused these injuries to the child.”The JuryJury selection will begin Monday at the Jefferson County courthouse. Jury summons were sent printed on September 22 and sent out the following day. According to Sheriff Nick Georgi, an anticipated 100 potential jurors will be called and there is sufficient seating in the courthouse's lone courtroom to accommodate that many people.While the press is allowed in the courtroom, prior permission must be given by the judge to use cameras and no photographs or video of the jury or potential jurors are allowed.Prior Homicides in Jefferson CountyThis will be the first homicide trial held in Jefferson County in nearly a decade. Susan DeJong was accused of murdering her husband, Thomas DeJong, in their home in Fairbury on March 11, 2011. DeJong was convicted on May 2, 2012 and sentenced to life in prison plus 50 years.There was a more recent homicide that occurred at Crystal Springs Park in Fairbury on July 1, 2019. The victim was Marc C. Jarrell, 28, of Lincoln. However, that case did not result in a trial. All five suspects involved, including the alleged shooter, Jerry W. Gilbert, 26, of Odessa, Texas, accepted plea agreements.MotionsThe defendant is represented by Kelly S. Breen of the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy, who has indicated his client is unwilling to waive his right to a speedy trial.The Sheriff's Office has indicated there will be additional security measures in place during the trial.Judge Johnson has granted motions from the defense that allows Gonzalez to wear street clothes, rather than prison fatigues, to court.The judge also granted a request from the Sheriff's Office to have Gonzalez wear an electro-shock stun belt under his clothes.On September 16, a hearing was held to consider a motion from the State to offer evidence concerning other crimes or wrongdoings, known as rule 27-404, after the Nebraska Statutes that govern what evidence is and is not admissible regarding character evidence. Counsel for the defense objected. The judge has ruled that evidence is admissible.Another CaseIn a separate case, Gonzalez was arrested May 18, 2020, for allegedly shooting a Fairbury man, Lance Powers, who reportedly suffered five gunshot wounds, but survived. The date for that case is not yet set for trial.Powers was hospitalized, treated and eventually released.Gonzalez was free on a $250,000 (10 percent) bond when he was arrested for the homicide.In both cases, the State is represented by Special Deputy Jefferson County Attorney William P. Tangeman, of the District Attorney's Office.While Breen represents Gonzalez in the homicide case, in the shooting case, the defendant's attorney in the shooting case are Benjamin Murray and Joseph Murray.Gonzalez remains in custody at this time, housed at the Seward County Detention Center. His bond is currently set at $15 million.The bond set was a cash bond, meaning the defendant will have to put up the full amount, not just 10 percent.

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