Lincoln woman has all but one charge dropped in Carly Schaaf homicide

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A defendant in the killing of Carly Schaaf has had her charges reduced.

Rachel Pageler, 27, of Lincoln appeared in Lancaster County Court for the first time on Friday.

There, most of the charges against her were dropped, according to court documents.

Pageler had been charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, accessory to a felony and three counts of first-degree sexual assault.

But she now faces only an accessory to a felony charge.

Judge Laurie Yardley set Pageler’s bond at $50,000. She must pay $5,000 to be released.

Earlier this month, prosecutors filed an amended complaint against the other defendant in the case, 27-year-old Joesef Barraza.

He is now being charged with first-degree murder and first-degree sexual assault in connection with Schaaf’s death.

Barraza is also accused of sexually assaulting two other people, according to the complaint.

Schaaf was reported missing in May 2021.

Her body was found the next month at Pawnee Lake. Authorities said she was suffocated.

Lincoln Police arrested Barraza and Pageler were arrested in January 2022.

Pageler’s next court appearance has been set for Feb. 13.