Kelsey Staigmiller made her initial appearance in District Court on June 2, facing felony charges of deliberate homicide, criminal endangerment, criminal mischief, robbery, theft and burglary.

The charges stem from a May 18 incident in which Staigmiller is accused of causing a disturbance in the Roberts Apartments downtown, then getting into a truck occupied by Sarah Bailey, pushing Bailey out and dragging her for several blocks, leading to Bailey’s death.

Additional felony charges, including deliberate homicide, filed against Staigmiller for fatal downtown carjacking

Bailey, was a downtown business owner and tattoo artist, who investigators said had no previous known connection to Staigmiller and had gotten into her truck just one minute before Staigmiller got in, according to court documents.

Staigmiller entered a plea of not guilty during her June 2 appearance.

Her trial has not yet been scheduled and a scheduling hearing is currently scheduled for June 16.

During the hearing, Judge Elizabeth Best said that since her family had ranched in the Eden area in the past, she had some family contact with the Staigmillers, but didn’t know the defendant.

She said she’d notified counsel of that history and didn’t believe there was a conflict of interest but wanted to publicly discuss it with both parties if anyone wanted to request that she recuse herself.

Mark Frisbie, Staigmiller’s defense attorney, said the were aware and didn’t see a conflict.

Victim, suspect identified in May 18 fatal downtown Great Falls incident

Matt Robertson of the Cascade County Attorney’s Office said the prosecution did not believe there was a conflict.

She’s being held in the Cascade County Adult Detention Center on a $500,000 bond.

During the hearing, Staigmiller’s defense requested that her bond be reduced to $10,000.

Frisbie said that she has ties to the area, had worked as a waitress and while it’s a significant incident, “this was very isolated,” and there was no further risk to the community.

According to online records, Staigmiller was a senior at C.M. Russell High School in 2012 when her art was selected by the Downtown Business Improvement District for the 1st Avenue North underpass mural that remains in place today. Her artwork was also displayed at the Paris Gibson Square Museum of Art in 2011.

Frisbie said that her parents were in the courtroom for her arraignment.

On May 21, Staigmiller’s immediate and extended family released a statement on behalf of the family:

“Kelsey’s family would like to extend their heartfelt condolences to Sarah Bailey, her family and this community. She was a beautiful artist who touched many lives. Sarah was an innocent victim and there are no words to express the pain and grief Kelsey has caused Sarah’s family and the community. We pray for peace and hope for all who have been affected by this tragic event.”

Robertson for the prosecution said they opposed any bail reduction.

“This is every citizen’s worst nightmare,” Robertson said. “This is probably the most horrific thing. She has traumatized at least hundreds of people.”

He said it was the only homicide that he could recall in his career in which every aspect of the crime had been captured on video, as well as by many witnesses.

Robertson said Staigmiller had some local misdemeanor charges and a pending drug charge out of Yellowstone County.

Best said that considering the nature of the charges against Staigmiller, her flight risk and public safety, she had to maintain the $500,000 bond.