Probable cause found in fatal hit-and-run; limited contact still in place throughout pregnancy

By James Bell
Hays Post

StramelHolliann — *Holliann Marie Stramel*

During the second day of a preliminary hearing that began in February, District Court Chief Judge Edward Bouker found there was probable cause on all counts against Holliann Marie Stramel, 24, and Trevor Jay Calvin, 27, stemming from a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of Ellis County resident John J. Befort, 67, on July 18, 2015.

With probable cause being established the case will now proceed to arraignment – where the defendants will enter pleas of not guilty, guilty or no contest – to be scheduled at a later date through the office of Ellis County Attorney Thomas Drees.

After the case was ordered to proceed, lawyers for the accused argued for changes to the no-contact order that was a condition of both defendants bonds.

Stramel’s attorney Ian Clark argued that despite Stramel and Calvin previously breaking conditions of their bonds, – including a no-contact order – that Stramel’s pregnancy should be taken into consideration.

The court had previously ordered that Calvin could attend medical appointments and the birth of the defendants’ child around June 22.

“It’s not rewarding them,” Clark said. Pregnancy “is hard work.”

Further, he argued that the purpose of keeping the two apart has run its course.

Drees, however, argued the order was put in place for reasons that are still viable concerns, including collusion in creating a defense and public safety.

Further, he argued previous violations of court orders should be considered.

Ultimately Bouker left the decision in the hands of Community Corrections after the birth but kept the order in place until that time.

He also noted Drees could request changes at that time if needed.

Calvin is charged with two counts: Concealing or altering evidence of a crime and impeding or obstructing an officer’s duty.

Stramel is being charged on three counts: Failure to stop and render aid at a fatality accident, concealing or altering evidence of a crime, and vehicular homicide.

The first two counts are felonies in Kansas and the third is a Class A misdemeanor.

Under Kansas sentencing guidelines the three counts together carry a punishment of 38 to 129 months in a state penitentiary, fines up to $402,500 and up to a year in county jail.