Suspended sentence issued in manslaughter case

NEWKIRK — Brian Thomas Haley, 58, Ponca City, entered a no contest plea in Kay County District Court to a felony count of first degree manslaughter and was given a suspended sentence.

Haley was arrested by Ponca City police on Dec. 18, 2019, in connection to an incident that was reported at The Fox, 1801 north fourth Street. First responders were dispatched to the business on Dec. 13, 2019, for a report of a male who had fallen. (see story)

A police investigation revealed that victim Gary Schauer and Haley were arguing.

Police report that video obtained showed the two in a physical altercation. Haley reportedly grabbed Schauer by the throat and threw him into a wall. (see story.)

Following the investigation the district attorney’s office charged Haley with second degree murder or in the alternative first degree manslaughter, and he was booked in the county jail and bond set at $200,000.

On Jan. 3, 2020, over district attorney’s Brian Hermanson, objection, Judge David Wilkie reduced bond to $100,000. On Jan. 13, 2020 Haley was released on bond. After a Feb. 4, 2021 preliminary hearing, Haley was bound over on the manslaughter charge.

Last week Haley appeared before Judge Lee Turner and entered a no contest plea to the offense and was sentenced to a 10-year suspended prison sentence.