ST. GEORGE – A man accused of murder made his first appearance in Fifth District Court Wednesday morning after being extradition from California.
Mario A. Lucero, 31, is accused of murdering Jeramy Shawn Olsen, 31, of St. George, on Feb. 16, 2013. St. George Police statements said Lucero and Olsen were involved in an early morning altercation originally listed as an aggravated assault in the area of 1000 North and 1340 East in St. George.
Olsen received a significant injury to his head and was transported via Life Flight to University Medical Center in Las Vegas in critical condition. He passed away the following day due to his injuries.
Lucero fled the scene before the police arrived and ultimately made his way to California where he was arrested on two warrants on Feb. 19 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office, one being a warrant issued out of Utah for the aggravated assault and the other for a parole violation.
The extradition process began soon after and Lucero was transferred to Utah state custody.
Individuals and family connected to the Olsen case were in the courtroom gallery when Lucero was brought before Judge James Shumate for a review hearing. Arrangements were made to transfer Lucero over to Washington County custody following his appearance.
Lucero commented about being “put in the hole” at the county jail and was not particularly happy about the prospect.
“I imagine most of your life (onward) is going to be out of your control,” Shumate said.
Attorneys Aric Cramer and Ariel Taylor have been appointed as Lucero’s representatives.
Lucero has been charged with first-degree felony murder; third degree felony assault, and class A misdemeanors – one for assault and the other for criminal mischief.
Lucero’s next court appearance will be Friday, July 19, via video.
Related:
- Lucero to be extradited, police seeking additional witnesses in homicide
- Suspect in fatal assault arrested in California
- Victim in aggravated assault case dies, police still looking for suspect
- Police seek man involved in aggravated assault
Email: [email protected]
Twitter: @MoriKessler
Copyright St. George News, SaintGeorgeUtah.com LLC, 2013, all rights reserved.
Isn’t it about time this violent thug be brought to justice. Who does he think he is trying to con his way out of jail so that he can commit another heinous crime? Nice try, but no cigar…
The SOB needs to be put to death to guarantee that he no longer hurts anyone. I was there today at court when he came in. Even in shackles and cuffs, he walked in all smug like. I feel for the family of Shawn.
Once this animal gets to where he is going…..Redneck justice will prevail.
That tattoo on his neck is Latin for “I have terrible decision-making skills”.