Local Ashland Businessman Silent As He Faces Murder Charges

During his arraignment on Wednesday, Ashland business man Nathan Monkelien stood silent as he watched via teleconference as the charges of two counts of first-degree intentional homicide, one count of resisting or obstructing an officer and one count of disorderly conduct. According to TheDailyPress, a fifth charge, battery, was also issued before the arraignment, a motion hearing to dismiss that count will be heard at a later date. Monkelien’s attorney renewed the argument that Monkelien was acting in self-defense at the time he shot and killed Manuel and Luis Garcia Salas last October. By not entering a plea, Monkelien signaled to the court he refuses to admit guilt or profess innocence. If convicted, he faces life in prison.