’17 trial set for murder suspect

A Wyoming man suspected of a murderous stabbing spree in eastern Madera County entered not guilty pleas Tuesday during his arraignment at Madera County Superior Court Dept. 8 in Bass Lake.

Twenty-six year-old George Taylor-Windsor allegedly went on his spree late Nov. 15 inside a southbound truck on State Route 41 that was headed to Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino. He is accused of killing 23-year-old Jessica Nelson, of Foresthill and wounding driver Reid Kallenberg.

Arrested a day later, he faces charges of first degree murder and murder with malice aforethought. If found guilty, he could spend 37 years to life in prison.

His defense attorney, Craig Collins, said during a preliminary hearing that the suspect had been assault by Nelson and Kallenberg, who were dating and perhaps wished to rob him. The suspect and the victims had known each other for less than 24 hours.

Taylor-Windsor had relocated to Oakhurst recently in search for tree cutting work.

Kallenberg, who was taken to a Fresno hospital for treatment, was released eight days after the alleged attack, according to Gina Clugston of Sierra News Online.

A trial confirmation has been set for Jan. 3 in Bass Lake with the actual jury trial beginning Feb. 6. His preliminary hearing was held Nov. 29.

“This murder case will be the first jury trial to be held in the Bass Lake Court after it commences normal daily operations in mid January 2017,” commented Madera County District Attorney David A. Linn.