Clay County Murder Case Delayed

CLAY CENTER, Neb. (KSNB) – A court hearing for a man accused of killing a Columbus woman has been postponed for two months.

Anthony Mattison, 35, of Osceola, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and improper disposal of human remains.

The remains of Jasmine Garnett, 25, of Columbus, were found in October 2022 in a field in Clay County. Nebraska State Police said she was murdered. Garnett’s family said Mattison was the last person to see Jasmine alive about a month before her remains were found.

A preliminary hearing scheduled for this week in Clay County District Court has been postponed until Nov. 18. The reasons for the postponement were not specified in court records. But in August, the Clay County public defender withdrew from defending Mattison, citing conflicts of interest. Mattison is being represented by an attorney with the Nebraska Public Defender Commission.

Local4 News at 11:30

At a preliminary hearing, defense and prosecution attorneys advise the judge on trial preparations, including the number of witnesses, how much time each side will need to present their evidence, and whether a plea agreement has been reached or is pending.

Court documents show Mattison pleaded not guilty to the charges against him in July. Mattison is being held at the Nebraska Department of Corrections’ Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.

Mattison is also charged with various felonies in Hall and Platte counties. In Adams County, he is charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, terroristic threats and two counts in connection with a shootout with Hastings police. He was accused of firing a firearm at Hastings police officers.

This incident occurred approximately 10 days after Garnett was reported missing.

After being found unfit to stand trial on the Hastings charges, Mattison was treated at Lincoln Regional Center. In March, after reviewing LRC reports, a judge ruled Mattison was fit to stand trial in the case.

Click here to subscribe to our KSNB Local4 daily digest and breaking news alerts delivered straight to your inbox.