Trial date set for Donthe Lucas, man accused of killing Kelsie Schelling

The trail date for Donthe Lucas is set for April 2 and expected to last for three weeks. Lucas appeared in court around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday and entered a not-guilty plea on murder charges for the murder and disappearance of Kelsie Schelling.

Just a few months ago, a Pueblo Judge decided there was enough evidence against Lucas in the murder of his former girlfriend Kelsie Schelling that the 25-year-old former Pueblo Central basketball star ought to stand trial.

During today’s arraignment, Lucas’ defense attorney’s let the judge know they are requesting a move of the venue of the trial. They say Lucas’ notoriety is too well known in the Pueblo community for him to get a fair trial. The judge said he would come to a decision regarding a possible venue change during the jury selection process.

Police believe Schelling, 21, drove down from Denver to Pueblo to see Lucas, 25 back in February of 2013. Since then she has not been seen from or heard from.

Lucas was later seen driving and abandoning Schelling’s vehicle on a security camera in a Walmart parking lot and taking out $400 from her bank account.

Today, during the arraignment, Lucas was formally advised of the charges against him.

Lucas will also give a plea in regards to an aggravated robbery charge against him.

The judge is expected to set trial dates for both charges.

Lucas has been held in jail without bond since November of 2017. He was charged with the murder of Schelling the following December.