PLATTSMOUTH - Justin Johnson, 18, of Plattsmouth has been charged with misdemeanor third-degree assault, fight by mutual consent for his part in the Sept. 9, 2007 skirmish that would critically injure Tony Premo, Sr. If convicted, Johnson could be jailed for six months and/or fined $1,000. The charges were filed Aug. 20.
On Aug. 7 a Cass County jury returned a verdict finding Travis Meisinger, 19, guilty of third degree assault. He had been charged with first-degree assault and use of a deadly weapon when he struck Premo in the head with a bat last September. Johnson, who is a friend of two of Premo's sons, Tavish and Sky, was at the Premo residence Sept. 8 when he began exchanging phone calls with his estranged girlfriend earlier in the evening. After the conversations grew more heated, Joshua Hauschild intervened, taking the phone from the girl and telling Johnson to treat her with more respect and that he was now her boyfriend. A challenge to fight was issued, bringing Hauschild, Meisinger and Anthony Houchin to Plattsmouth from Weeping Water. Cass County Attorney Nathan Cox said statements made in the Meisinger trial indicated it was Johnson who issued the challenge to fight, although there is still some question as to who actually issued the challenge.
"There was testimony at the trial that indicated Johnson issued the challenge," Cox said. "There is some contesting between the sides as to who actually gave the challenge. The Weeping Water kids indicated during the trial that Johnson had thrown down and he (Johnson) indicated that they issued the challenge."
Two girls accompanied Meisinger, Houchin and Hauschild to Plattsmouth. The fight was supposed to be between Hauschild and Johnson. Upon arrival at the Premo residence, witnesses testified in the Meisinger trial that Johnson stood at the side of the house and beckoned Hauschild, Meisinger and Houchin to come closer. As Johnson continued moving toward the back of the house, other people emerged from the shadows. Meisinger, Hauschild and Houchin all testified that they were attacked by as many as 15 people with clubs and bats. Testimony from Johnson, Sky and Tavish Premo countered that by saying a skirmish did take place but no weapons were used and there were fewer people involved. The Premo brothers testified they only wanted to chase Meisinger, Houchin and Hauschild away. After leaving the Premo residence for a short time, they returned with two baseball bats and took up positions on the Premo's front porch. Premo and his wife, Tracey were awakened and got up to investigate, When Premo opened the front door, he was struck in the right arm with a bat by Houchin and then hit in the head with a bat by Meisinger. Premo remained in critical condition for nearly three weeks. Nearly a year after the attack, Premo continues suffering recurring symptoms from those injuries such as head tremors, severe headaches and memory loss.
No trial dates have been set, but Houchin and Hauschild are still facing assault and weapons charges. Cox said he is continuing to examine all of his options regarding their prosecution. Cox is expected announce his decision shortly after Johnson is arraigned in Cass County Court Sept. 2.
Print This Story
Email This Story
