An Alliance man is now serving a sentence for his role in a shooting that occurred in Hemingford in May of 2022.
Beau Edwards, 24, of Alliance was sentenced to serve 18 to 36 months in prison and to pay restitution of $2,469.00 after he was found guilty of attempted use of a firearm to commit a felony, a class 2 felony.
According to court records, the charge stems from an incident that occurred on May 25, 2022. The Affidavit for Custody filed in the case explains that a trooper with the Nebraska State Patrol was dispatched to Sidney Avenue in Hemingford on the report of shots fired. The caller reported that Beau Edwards was driving a grey GMC Denali and had discharged a firearm near that location at approximately 2:33 a.m.
When the trooper arrived on scene, he noticed six people standing near the location. One man told the trooper that multiple vehicles, as well as their house and garage, were shot during the incident, according to the Affidavit. The trooper located mutiger shell casings on the ground near the location, and noted three vehicles with bullet holes, and two bullet holes above the garage vehicle doors.
The man also told the trooper that he was awakened by their son, who said that Edwards had made threats to kill him, according to the Affidavit. They both heard multiple gun shots and saw Edwards leave, traveling south on CR 70.
While processing the scene, the trooper located a total of six shell casings, and a bullet fragment that they found lodged in the windshield of a vehicle.
The trooper traveled to Edwards’ residence, where he made contact with Edwards, who appeared to be intoxicated, according to the Affidavit. The trooper observed a Smith and Wesson 9mm magazine near the bed stand where Edwards’ significant other advised they would locate it. The magazine contained 13 9mm Hornaday bullets.
Edwards’ significant other provided the trooper with the code to the shop where the GMC was located. The front left tire of the vehicle was flat. The vehicle was towed to be searched.
The trooper advised Edwards of his rights and, according to the Affidavit, Edwards waived his rights, stating that he had blacked out that night from drinking alcohol and was not sure what happened. He told the trooper he kept a 9mm in the gun safe in the shop, but that he did not fire it at anyone or vehicles or property that evening.
Edwards was arrested and transported to the Box Butte County Jail. He was charged with use of a firearm to commit a felony, a class 1C felony, unlawful discharge of a firearm, a class 1D felony, and criminal mischief $5,000+, a class 4 felony.
Edwards entered into a plea agreement in December with charges being reduced to attempted use of a firearm to commit a felony. Edwards pleaded no contest to the charge and was found guilty.
On March 8, Edwards appeared before Box Butte County District Court Judge Travis O’Gorman to be sentenced. Edwards was given credit for two days served. Assuming that he loses no good time, Edwards will be eligible for parole in nine months, with a mandatory discharge set for 18 months.