Man, woman will stand trial in fatal beating
March 19, 2010 - 11:00 pm
A Las Vegas justice of the peace on Wednesday ordered a man and woman to stand trial for the beating death of a 68-year-old man in the fall.
Will Sitton and Jacquie Schafer, both 46, are charged with multiple felonies including murder, robbery and burglary.
Brian Haskell was found dead in November in his condominium near Rainbow and Oakey boulevards, but authorities believe his death might have occurred in October.
A third defendant, Sitton's brother, Robert Sitton, testified against the two during a preliminary hearing Wednesday before Justice of the Peace Tony Abbatangelo.
Robert Sitton, 33, in February pleaded guilty to second-degree murder of a victim 60 or older and conspiracy.
As part of a plea deal reached with prosecutors, Robert Sitton agreed to testify against his brother and Schafer, and prosecutors will recommend after he testifies that he serve his prison time in Oklahoma to be close to his family.
During the preliminary hearing, Robert Sitton said that through a drunken haze, which included blackouts, he remembered seeing Will Sitton and Schafer beat Haskell. Robert Sitton also admitted he beat Haskell.
Schafer, who was dating Will Sitton, moved in with Haskell in late August, according to court records. Haskell and Schafer weren't getting along, which led to the confrontation. Haskell was upset at her for going into his room and invading his privacy. Schafer accused Haskell of making passes at her.
Robert Sitton is set to be sentenced March 31 by Judge Doug Smith. Will Sitton and Schafer are to be arraigned in District Court the same day.
All three are being held at the Clark County Detention Center.