Trial opens in Schwan case

Opening arguments were heard Monday from prosecuting attorney Jerry Williams and defense attorney Richard Hopkinson, in a trial against Matthew Schwan.

Schwan was originally charged with driving under the influence with serious bodily injury, following a May 14, 2016, incident in which he allegedly struck Reilly Schwan with a vehicle. However, that charge was changed to aggravated homicide by vehicle after Reilly’s death on June 4.

According to court documents, the Schwans went out with friends and had been drinking quite a bit, and later got into an argument that continued when they returned to the friends’ home and prior to Reilly being struck by the vehicle.

Allegedly, during the response to the incident from emergency, fire and law enforcement personnel, Matthew was visibly upset and continually asked about Reilly’s condition. After being extricated from under the vehicle, she was flown to Casper and on life support until that support was terminated a few weeks later.

The prosecution rested their case on Wednesday morning The defense then began presenting their evidence.