Prosecutors are holding off filing formal charges against a man accused of causing a fatal boating accident that killed two people at Lake Mead National Recreation Area.
“Your Honor, we are going to need more significant investigation in this case before reaching a filing decision,” Deputy Chief District Attorney Eric Bauman said during a court hearing Wednesday.
Paul Robinson, 57, of Henderson, was arrested Saturday on charges of manslaughter from a boat, operating a boat while intoxicated and improperly operating a boat, court records show. Bauman requested a continuance of more than 100 days before filing a criminal complaint, which would indict Robinson in connection with the accident.
Justice of the Peace Joe Bonaventure ordered Robinson, who has been released on $20,000 bail, to appear in court again on December 13.
The Clark County Coroner’s Office identified the two people killed in the crash as Stacia Gardiner, 42, and Terry Farris, 48. The accident occurred around 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Callville Bay boat ramp.
While awaiting Wednesday’s hearing, Robinson shielded his face using his hands and a piece of paper. Robinson and his defense attorney, Thomas Ericsson, declined to comment after the hearing.
The judge noted that Robinson has been identified as a veteran. As a condition of his release on bail, he was ordered not to drive a boat, to stay out of trouble and to submit to a breathalyzer test, according to court records.
“The State requests this postponement. However, the case is not over. These are very serious charges that he is facing,” Bonaventure said, adding that Robinson has to appear at future hearings.
“Yes, sir,” Robinson replied.
