The Haxtun-Fleming Herald - What can we reason but from what we know? -Alexander Pope

After only a few hours of deliberation, a Colorado jury found Donthe Lucas guilty of first degree murder in the disappearance of Kelsie Schelling.

Shortly after the verdict was read, Lucas was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Lucas was arrested in 2017 and charged with first degree murder in the 2013 death of his pregnant girlfriend, Kelsie Schelling. He plead not guilty and has been awaiting trial in county jail.

The trial, delayed previously several times, began early 2021 and was delayed yet again shortly after it began due to COVID-19. However, the prosecution picked back up where it left off and presented nearly two weeks of witness testimony.

Once the prosecution finished their case, the defense called no witnesses and the trial concluded with closing arguments on Monday, March 8. In just under three hours, the jury found Lucas guilty.

Outside the court room, Schelling's mother, Laura Saxton, fought through tears to speak to the media shortly after the verdict was read. Saxton said that while the family is thankful for the outcome, in the end, they still don't have Kelsie back.

Kelsie is the daughter of Doug Schelling, Holyoke, and Saxton, Yuma, and a 2009 graduate of Haxtun High School.

"I think Kelsie can finally rest," Saxton said.