Trial Date set for Lincoln County burglary case

ODESSA — A March 19 trial date was set Monday in Lincoln County Superior Court for a burglary case involving a property near the Adams County line.

Shannon D. Awtry, 55, of Othello, is charged with second-degree burglary.

A readiness hearing is scheduled for Feb. 25.

The defendant waived her right to a speedy trial in Lincoln County Superior Court on Tuesday, Dec. 17.

The case stems from a Dec. 29, 2023, investigation when Lincoln County Sheriff’s Deputy C. Stei responded to assist Adams County Sheriff’s Office Cpl. Lane with a burglary call. Lane had previously arrested two suspects in connection with an Adams County burglary and uncovered evidence suggesting their involvement in a Lincoln County crime.

A search warrant for a cell phone revealed photos and GPS data pointing to a property located approximately 3,000 feet north of the Adams County line on State Highway 21. According to Stei, the suspects appeared to have used the site to steal electrical wire.

The property owner, Karl D. Scheller of Portland, Ore., granted deputies access to investigate the property, which included a dilapidated house and garage.

Court records said there was evidence of recent damage to the house’s interior walls, consistent with wire thef.

Stei noted the damage appeared fresh, with clean, exposed wood where electrical fixtures and wiring had been removed.

Lane identified additional evidence, including a wooden panel recovered from the suspects’ vehicle, which matched the house’s interior. The suspects’ red 1996 Chevrolet GMT 400 truck was impounded in Adams County.

Stei reported the findings to Scheller, who will determine if additional charges will be filed.