FUNK, Neb. — Brock Schneider, 35, of Axtell, has been charged with multiple felonies following a fatal crash on Aug. 15.
According to the Phelps County Attorney's Office, Schneider faces three counts of motor vehicle homicide-DUI, three counts of manslaughter, and one count of second-degree assault. Under Nebraska law, he cannot be convicted of both motor vehicle homicide and manslaughter.
Around 9:45 p.m., a Phelps County Sheriff's deputy responded to a three-vehicle collision at the intersection of Highway 6 and T Road. Initial reports indicated two vehicles were on fire with occupants trapped inside.
The investigation revealed that Schneider was driving a 2011 Ford F250 pickup southbound on T Road at high speed when he struck the rear of a Chevy Silverado carrying three occupants. The impact caused both vehicles to move into a third vehicle, a Chevy Suburban on Highway 6.
The occupants of the Chevy Silverado—Wallace Martin, 67, of Holdrege; Randall Franklin, 36, of Funk; and Justin Mason, 34, of Arapahoe—were killed. Preliminary autopsy results indicated deaths were due to blunt force trauma.
The driver of the Chevy Suburban, a 35-year-old woman from Minden, was partially ejected and suffered extensive injuries. She was life-flighted from the scene.
Schneider was taken to Phelps Memorial Hospital, where he reportedly admitted to consuming three to four beers prior to the crash. He was arrested and booked into the Phelps County Jail with a bond set at $200,000, requiring 10% for release. His next court appearance is scheduled for 8 a.m. on Sept. 3.