LEBANON, Mo. — Sidney Wilson was arraigned today in a Laclede County courtroom on two counts of first degree murder and two counts of armed criminal action. If convicted, the murder charges carry the possibility of the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole. The armed criminal action charges carry 10 to 55 years and would be served consecutively if convicted.
Roughly 25 people were present during the hearing, including members from both the victim’s and the defendant’s families. Wilson entered the courtroom from the left side and sat quietly while another traffic case was being heard. When his case was called, the charges were read aloud. He pled not guilty.
Wilson has applied for a public defender through the Missouri Public Defender’s Office. Bond was denied. A formal bond hearing is scheduled for Monday, August 11 at 1:30 p.m.
After the hearing concluded, Wilson glanced back at his family seated behind him before being escorted out. Outside the courtroom, Peggy Wilson—his aunt—spoke briefly. She asked for prayers for the family and for the truth to come to light. She also said that since the charges were filed, her family, including her daughter, has been harassed both online and in person. She urged the public to stop.
Lebanon Now echoes this request. No matter the charges faced by Sidney Wilson, all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty. His family should not be harassed online, in person, or in public. This is the beginning of what will be a long legal process.
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