Bond set at $2 million for man in 2022 slaying in rural Nebraska

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A high bond has been set for the man accused of killing a Columbus woman in 2022.

Anthony Mattison, 35, was arraigned Tuesday in Clay County Court.

Judge Michael Burns set his bond at $2 million.

Mattison would have to pay $200,000 to be released. He is already in state prison on different charges.

On Oct. 5, 2022, the body of 25-year-old Jasmine Garnett was found along a rural road near Harvard, which is about 20 miles east of Hastings.

She had a gunshot wound to her head, according to an arrest affidavit.

Court documents allege that Mattison, who was on parole at the time, picked up Garnett in Columbus in a stolen Pontiac Firebird early in the morning of Sept. 17.

About three hours later, five gunshots were recorded on surveillance video in Harvard, the affidavit says.

Garnett’s blood was found inside the Firebird, according to the Nebraska State Patrol.

Last month, Mattison was charged with first-degree murder in her death.

He is also being tried in Adams County on charges of attempted second-degree murder and attempted first-degree assault on an officer. Police said he shot at officers in Hastings 10 days after Garnett was killed.

Mattison’s criminal history dates back to when he was 11, according to state court records. He is now on his fourth prison sentence.

His next court hearing is scheduled for May 28.