Second trial moved to fall

Two of the three women charged with the January murder of a Portland man have now had their trials moved to the fall.

This week, Jay Circuit Court Judge Brian Hutchison moved the final pretrial conference and trial dates for Shelby Hiestand, rural Portland, after receiving a motion to do so from her attorney.

The trial is now scheduled for Nov. 16 through 19, with a final pre-trial conference Oct. 26. It was initially scheduled for July 6 through 9.

Hiestand becomes the second of the three women charged with the Jan. 12 murder of Shea Briar to have her trial moved. The trial for Esther J. Stephen, Portland, that was originally scheduled for June was moved last month to Sept. 29 through Oct. 2.

The trial for Hannah Knapke, Fort Recovery, the third woman charged with Briar’s murder, is currently scheduled for July 20 through 23.

Police arrested Hiestand and Stephen two days after Briar was found early Jan. 12 on the county road 125 West bridge over Loblolly Creek, just south of county road 850 North. Knapke was arrested 10 days later.

Probable cause affidavits filed in connection with the case say Hiestand and Stephen admitted to plotting to kill Briar over a custody dispute. Stephen and Briar shared a child.

The affidavits say the three women picked Briar up at his home and drove to the bridge in Knapke’s vehicle. Stephen then distracted Briar to allow Hiestand to retrieve a gun. Hiestand shot Briar once in the back, the documents say.

Briar was found about 2 a.m. Jan. 12 and died later the same day at Fort Wayne’s Lutheran Hospital.

All three women are being held without bond at Jay County Jail. In Indiana, murder carries a sentence of 45 to 65 years, with an advisory sentence of 55 years.