A Nampa, Idaho man has pleaded guilty to violently assaulting Steven Nelson because he was gay, resulting in Mr. Nelson’s death.
Kelly Schneider, 23, was indicted by a federal grand jury on January 10, with one count of violating the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd, Jr., Hate Crimes Prevention Act.
‘Kelly Schneider assaulted and killed a man because of the man’s sexual orientation,’ said Acting Assistant Attorney General Wheeler. ‘This is a federal crime, and the Justice will continue to work with our federal and state law enforcement partners to enforce our federal hate crimes laws.’
Schneider pleaded guilty on January 23, in state court to first-degree murder based on Mr. Nelson’s death. He will face sentencing on April 26, in front of Chief U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
The charge of willful assault based on sexual orientation, resulting in death, is punishable by up to life in prison, supervised release of not more than five years, and a $250,000 fine.
Schneider also faces state charges for Mr. Nelson’s death.
The Canyon County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crime Task Force, conducted the investigation. The case is being investigated federally by the FBI.
Schneider will face sentencing on April 26, for the federal charge of willful assault based on sexual orientation, resulting in death, in front of Chief U.S. District Court Judge B. Lynn Winmill.
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Key Facts
- State: Idaho
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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