A September trial date is now set for the man accused of killing a Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper on U.S. 93 near Ely last year.
During a virtual court appearance on Wednesday, John Dabritz pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to all four counts filed against him: open murder of Sgt. Ben Jenkins, grand larceny, stealing a firearm and arson.
Prosecutors say on March 27, 2020, Dabritz shot and killed Sgt. Jenkins. Afterwards, NHP says Dabritz stole Jenkin's uniform and patrol car where a subsequent search lasted hours, but Dabritz was eventually found and arrested and booked into White Pine County Jail. They say Sgt. Jenkins' damaged patrol car was also found.
The Ely District Court judge said that since Dabritz pleaded guilty by insanity to all four charges, his trial was scheduled to start on September 14, 2021. Dabritz also waived his right to a speedy trial.
Dabritz may face the death penalty if convicted.
Sgt. Jenkins, a 12-year-old veteran of NHP, is survived by his wife, his mother, four children, and five grandchildren.
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UPDATE, October 2020: A man accused in the March shooting of a Nevada Highway Patrol sergeant has been deemed competent to stand trial following roughly two months of treatment for bipolar disorder at a psychiatric facility.
White Pine County District Judge Steve Dobrescu ordered in court on Oct. 6 that John Leonard Dabritz be held at the Northern Nevada Correctional Center for “safekeeping” as he awaits trial in the murder case.
Dabritz faces capital punishment if convicted.
His attorneys plan to use the insanity defense at trial.
Dr. Steven Zuchowski testified that Dabritz had been diagnosed with Type 1 bipolar disorder, which he said is a more serious form.
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UPDATE: May 2020
The Nye County District Attorney's Office says a man accused of killing a Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper in late March is now formally charged with four felony counts related to possessing explosives.
The suspect, John Dabritz also faces the death penalty in White Pine County for the alleged murder of Sergeant Ben Jenkins on March 27th.
The Nye County DA's Office says a criminal compliant alleges that Dabritz had three illegal devices at his home in Tybo in northern Nye County and detonated a fourth device by shooting it from a distance.
The maximum penalty for three of the four counts is 1-6 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Officials said John Dabrtiz was arrested in White Pine County in connection to the case, but he allegedly committed crimes within Nye County as well.
The Nye County Sheriff's Office previously said during an investigation, deputies found that Dabritz allegedly showed signs of anti-government extremism.
Officials said through that investigation, he was initially charged with four felony counts relating to possession of a component of an explosive device with intent to manufacture and possession of an explosive device.
The Nye County District Attorney's Office also announced on May 20th that a second man is being charged with carrying a concealed weapon. The felony charge carries a maximum of 1-5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. The DA's Office did not elaborate on how Kelvin Laird is connected to the case.
As of right now, a court date has not yet been set for Dabritz to appear in Tonopah Justice Court.
User: Nye County Sheriff's Office To: link
UPDATE: The family of a slain Nevada Highway Patrol trooper has released a statement thanking the community for its support.
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ORIGINAL STORY:
NHP has released more details after Friday morning's deadly trooper shooting on U.S. 93 near Ely. A suspect is in custody, accusing of stealing the trooper's patrol car and uniform.
The incident started just before 6 a.m. near White Pine county mile marker 106 when the suspect, 65-year-old John Dabritz shot and killed Sgt. Ben Jenkins. Afterwards, NHP says Dabritz stole Jenkin's uniform and patrol car where a subsequent search lasted hours, but Dabritz was eventually found and arrested and booked into White Pine County Jail. Sgt. Jenkins' damaged patrol car was also found.
Authorities say Dabritz has a criminal history that dates back to 1973. The White Pine County District Attorney says he will seek the death penalty against Dabritz whose preliminary hearing was continued to a future date.
NHP says 47-year-old Sgt. Jenkins was an Elko native who began working for the Nevada Highway Patrol in March 2008 as a Trooper in Jackpot and was promoted to Sergeant in Elko in 2017. Prior to NHP, he was a training officer for the Nevada State Fire Marshal Division, a crew supervisor for the Nevada Division of Forestry, an Assistant Fire Chief for the Spring Creek Volunteer Fire Department, and a veteran of both the Army National Guard and Air National Guard. In 2011, Jenkins received the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s highest honor, the Gold Medal of Valor, which is presented to officers who perform an extraordinary act of heroism.
“Without question, Sgt. Jenkins was a hero to his community, his law enforcement colleagues, the State of Nevada and our country,” said Director George Togliatti. “This is a tremendous loss for the Nevada Highway Patrol, his family, and everyone Sgt. Jenkins touched during his long and honorable career in public service. My thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this period of mourning.”
Sgt. Jenkins is survived by his wife, his mother, four children, and five grandchildren.
A memorial service is pending and that information will be forthcoming.
Governor Steve Sisolak released the following statement:
Kathy and I were absolutely heartbroken to learn of the tragic and senseless killing of Sergeant Ben Jenkins, a 12-year veteran of the Nevada Highway Patrol, military veteran, husband, father to four, and grandfather to five. Ben dedicated his life to serving his country as a member of the Army and Air National Guard, a volunteer firefighter, and public servant for the Nevada State Fire Marshall Division and the Nevada Division of Forestry. A Gold Medal of Valor recipient, the Department of Public Safety’s highest honor, Sgt. Jenkins heroic actions as an officer undoubtedly saved many lives throughout his career in law enforcement. Our hearts go out to Sgt. Jenkins’ wife, his children and grand children, and the entire Elko community for this irreplaceable loss. May he rest in peace – Sgt. Jenkins will never be forgotten.
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