Judge Will Furse of the 22nd Judicial District, filling in for Chief Judge Todd Plewe, on Friday set Kaylee Sanders’ preliminary hearing for October at the Montezuma County Combined Courts, even though her public defender, Justin Bogan, never appeared.
The 21-year-old, who faces two homicide charges and an attempted-murder charge, is next scheduled to appear for her preliminary hearing on Oct. 27 at 9 a.m.
As previously reported in The Journal, Sanders was arrested in the early morning on July 28 on suspicion of killing her brother, Morgan Salgado, 22, in an apartment at 516 S. Madison St. The day before, on July 27, she allegedly murdered Lewis Wall, 66, at his rental home at 18661 Colorado Highway 145, after they reportedly collected firewood to sell.
Both men died from gunshot wounds to their heads.
Early July 28, allegedly pointed a handgun at an officer who responded to the scene of Salgado’s slaying.
At Friday’s preliminary demand, the DA team showed up via online video, but Sanders’ public defendant did not appear, even though he was present during the scheduling on Aug. 15. This was the second time he’s been absent for the preliminary hearing demand.
Furse said the court would issue a show-cause order so Bogan can give a reason for his absence.
“Ms. Sanders, you deserve to have an attorney here today. He will be at the preliminary hearing and the court will deal with the reason for his absence today,” Judge Furse said. “I assure you we will get this improved for you next time.”
Chief Deputy District Attorneys Melinda Shishim and David Waite, from the 21st Judicial District in Grand Junction, said they think they need two hours to get through the hearing. In response, Furse scheduled a half-day for it to take place.
Plewe will preside over the preliminary hearing.
