Update: Beating death

July 23, 2008 - 11:35 PM
THE GAZETTE

The case

   A homeless man was hit in the head, allegedly with a rock, on July 8 at Dorchester Park, 1130 S. Nevada Ave. The man was pronounced dead by hospital officials the next day.

The victim


   William "Billy" Wilson, 42.

The suspect

   Jeremiah Phelan, 27, admitted to police he fought with Wilson at the park but said he was approached by Wilson and that he hit him with his hand, not a rock, according to an arrest affidavit.

What's new


   Prosecutors Wednesday filed a second-degree murder charge against Phelan. If convicted, he could face up to 48 years in prison.
What's next

   Phelan is due back in court for a preliminary hearing Sept. 15. He is being held at the El Paso County Criminal Justice Center on $300,000 bond.