By Kalin Krohe, Panhandle Post
On June 26 charges were filed in Box Butte County Court against 66 year old George Smith of Alliance for the murder of 42 year old Steven Oliver of Alliance.
Smith could face a maximum sentence of life in prison for 2nd degree murder, a Class 1B Felony. Minimum imprisonment is 20 years. Smith is also being charged with use of a deadly weapon to commit a felony, a Class 2 Felony.
Emergency Medical Services were dispatched to 1020 Toluca Avenue on June 19. Steven Oliver suffered a knife wound to his chest by a switchblade knife.
According to a court affidavit, "Steven Oliver was located laying in the lawn with two stab wounds in his torso. Heather Kolodjay was near Oliver..."
Kolodjay then pointed to the doorway of the apartment and said that George Smith was inside.
Smith was ordered to come out of the apartment by the Alliance Police Department, but he did not comply. Smith then told APD officers to shoot him.
Smith was subdued with a taser.
The court affidavit went on to say, "Kolodjay advised she was asleep in the other room of the residence when she awoke to George yelling at Oliver. George said, 'Don't f**k with me Oliver.' Kolodjay advised she heard a physical fight moments later."
Kolodjay then exited her bedroom and observed Oliver with two stab wounds. She said Smith was attempting to leave, but she stopped him.
Doug Warner of the Nebraska Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting this case. Warner was assigned this court case last week.
Smith’s first court appearance is June 30 in Box Butte County Court.