From left to right: Raymond Jones, April Jones, Justine Bey, Samantha McClellan.
All four suspects in a Forest County beating case have pleaded not guilty to charges that they beat and tortured a man, leaving him in the woods under the assumption that wolves would maul him.
45-year-old Raymond Jones, 38-year-old April Jones, and 21-year-old Justin Bey, all of Wabeno, were arraigned Tuesday in Forest County Circuit Court along with 19-year-old Samantha McClellan of Antigo. Prosecutors say the group attacked a 40-year-old man at a home in Wabeno in March, apparently because they thought he inappropriately touched a child. Investigators say the victim was left to die in a wooded area near Crandon. He was later found near death with two broken ribs, a broken jaw, and a frozen foot.
A judge has already ruled there’s enough evidence to move the case to trial. Raymond Jones and Justin Bey are being held on $100,000 cash bonds. April Jones has been unable to post a $25,000 cash bond. Sam McClellan was able to post a $25,000 cash bond, and is now free awaiting today’s hearing.
The four adult suspects are charged with more than 30 criminal counts, including attempted homicide, kidnapping, false imprisonment, and aggravated battery. Two juveniles were also arrested in the case.
WSAU