Clair Bruce Nichols has entered a plea in the case relating to the May death of Alpine resident David Reneker.

According to a press release from Lincoln County Attorney, Eric F. Phillips, “On November 9, 2009, Clair Bruce Nichols entered a no contest plea to the charge of Manslaughter.   Nichols will be sentenced at a later date not yet determined by the judge.  Nichols could be sentenced to up to twenty (20) years in the Wyoming State Penitentiary and may be required to pay a fine of up to $10,000.  Nichols was remanded to the custody of the sheriff’s office where he will remain incarcerated on a $100,000 bond until sentencing. ”

According to an affidavit written by Sherriff’s Deputy Jody Gardner, David Reneker was found dead at his home on May 17, 2009.  An autopsy revealed that Reneker died after being stabbed multiple times.

Phillips went on to say that pursuant to a search warrant, police later found bloody clothes and a blood stained knife at the residence of Mr. Nichols.  The Wyoming State Lab confirmed that it was Reneker’s blood on the clothing and the knife.  Moreover, Nichols DNA was also present on the knife.  The knife matched the size and width of the knife used to kill Reneker.  Blood matching that of the victim was also found in the Defendant’s car.

The Defendant stated at the November 9, 2009 hearing that he was so intoxicated on the night in question that he has no memory of the incident.

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