Shooting suspect charged with murder, attempted murder

A Dodge City man who allegedly shot two other men earlier this week was charged Friday with second-degree murder and attempted second-degree murder.
    Bonilla is accused of shooting Dodge City resident Steven Holt and Minneola resident Tanner Brunson Monday evening in the Arkansas River bed. Bonilla was apparently jogging in the riverbed when he encountered the two men, who had been driving a short-bed truck in the riverbed.
    They were not in the truck when they were shot.
    Holt and Brunson were taken to Western Plains Medical Complex, where Holt died of his injuries a short time later.
    Police Chief John Ball told the Globe Friday that he thought Brunson had been released from the hospital.
    If Bonilla is convicted in the shootings, he would likely be sentenced to life in prison.
    Assuming Bonilla posts bond and is released from jail before trial, he is barred from contacting Brunson, Brunson's family or Holt's family.
    He may keep in touch with his son, Jovanny Bonilla, who was present when the shooting occurred. However, the two may not discuss the case.
    O'Keefe and Ball both declined to comment on the circumstances of the shooting or a possible motive.
    Samuel Bonilla's bond was set at $100,000 during his first court appearance. His next hearing was tentatively set for 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 17, said assistant Ford County Kevin O'Keefe. That hearing will be a scheduling matter to determine a contested preliminary hearing — essentially, a mini-trial to decide whether Bonilla should be bound over for trial.
    Bonilla is represented by Dodge City attorney Linda Eckleman, who was unavailable for comment late Friday afternoon.

Reach Eric Swanson at (620) 408-9917 or e-mail him at eric.swanson@dodgeglobe.com.