Suspect in Kelsie Schelling murder in court for robbery

The primary suspect in the 2013 disappearance of Kelsie Schelling was in court Monday, this time on separate charges. Donthe Lucas is facing an aggravated robbery charge from an incident that took place back in 2017.

Back in May, prosecutors presented evidence against Lucas in the disappearance case of Kelsie Schelling. Lucas was initially charged with first-degree murder in December of last year.

Monday, he was in court for another preliminary trial. As was the case in May, the Judge concluded there is enough evidence present to move forward with a jury trial for the robbery charge.

Prosecutors presented evidence showing that Lucas assaulted and robbed Jefferey Sanchez back in early September 2017 on West Mesa Avenue in Pueblo.

Sanchez was visiting a friend on the block when Lucas allegedly attacked him and took $2,000 out of his vehicle. Prosecutors say his mother, brother, and sister’s boyfriend also helped with the assault. A firearm was also reportedly involved in the assault.

State prosecutors presented images of Sanchez with bruises and injuries to his face and head after the altercation took place.

Lucas admitted to assaulting Sanchez, however, he said it was because the man hit his mother first.

Lucas’ attorneys also argued there were inconsistencies with the victim’s testimony to investigators. However, the judge ruled there is enough evidence to move forward regardless.

Lucas is slated to be arraigned in the Kelsie Schelling case in about two weeks.