All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
(Riverton, WY) –55-year-old Riverton man Vurnon Doney, who faces a manslaughter charge in connection to the April 26 Riverton house fire that resulted in the death of 48-year-old Eve Newton, changed his plea to “guilty” after a change of plea hearing held today, July 25, before the Honorable Judge Jason Conder.
The State was represented by Terrance Martin, with Valerie Schoneberger acting as the Defense.
A presentence investigation report will be due on August 23, with sentencing set for September 13.
Doney was charged after Newton was killed in a house fire that reportedly started after an altercation between the two.
He alleged that after the two had argued, he went on to mix oil and gas for his motorbike around 1:30 AM, and did so inside their shared residence so as to “not disturb (their) neighbor.”
Doney then stated that a short while later he lit a cigarette, which ignited gas that had spilled on his clothes and inside parts of the residence, which ultimately trapped Newton in her bedroom and resulted in her death.
Doney originally pled “not guilty” back in May, and a September 16 jury trial was scheduled.
However, on June 20, a plea agreement was filed on Doney’s behalf, resulting in the jury trial being vacated and the scheduling of today’s change of plea hearing.
The agreement states that Doney’s plea will function as a “cold plea,” and that no specific sentence was agreed upon prior to its filing. The agreement also states that Doney will pay restitution and various fees.
The Prosecution and Defense will make their arguments for an appropriate sentence at the September 13 hearing.
A manslaughter felony charge holds a maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
County 10 will provide updates on the case as they become available, which can be viewed here.