Monkelien trial pushed back

Ashland County courts have pushed back trial for an Ashland business owner accused of shooting and killing two people.

Nathan Monkelien, 35, was set for trial later this month facing two charges of first-degree intentional homicide along with charges of resisting and obstructing an officer, disorderly conduct and battery.

The charges are connected to the deaths of Manuel and Luis Garcia Salas of Veracruz, Mexico, who were shot last October. The two were in Ashland to visit their brother, Ricardo Garcia, who works at Taqueria La Monarca. The restaurant is next door to the Stagecoach Bar & Grille, which Monkelien co-owns.

During a recent hearing, Ashland County District Attorney Blake Gross said important evidence and information isn’t ready yet and not all of the witnesses indicated they would be available for the trial, which was set to begin July 29. He said an expert witness needs more time to form an opinion regarding self-defense. Another expert needs more time to analyze evidence, including clothes worn by the brothers and the firearm Monkelien used, which are critical to the case.

Gross said going to trial before testing is complete risks a miscarriage of justice.

Iron Country Circuit Court Judge Anthony Stella said he’s less concerned about the witnesses’ schedules and more about the evidence not yet tested or reviewed. After some discussion, the trial was rescheduled to start Jan. 6, 2024 and will run through the end of the month. Monkelien faces life in prison if he is convicted.

Monkelien’s attorney, Jeremiah Meyer-O’Day, argued Monkelien should be released from custody and said the defense would appeal if he is not. Stella asked about the possibility of house arrest, but O’Day said that’s still considered custody. Stella replied that he is not prepared to release Monkelien.

The shootings happened in an alley behind Monkelein’s business and the taqueria. Court records show Luis Garcia Salas was shot three times in the neck and torso, while Manuel Garcia Salas was shot six times in the head, neck, torso and limbs.

A video posted online of Monkelien leading up to the shooting could have implications for the trial. The video shows him displaying what appears to be a gun to the two victims before they appear to approach him, one with what could like a knife in his hand.

Stella said he’s concerned the video could taint the jury pool, making it harder to find jurors who can focus solely on the case presented in court.