TORRINGTON – The Goshen County Circuit Court met at 9 a.m. Thursday morning for the initial hearing of Torrington man, Andrew McMurrin.

McMurrin was being charged with one felony count of an alleged aggravated battery on a pregnant woman, as well as two misdemeanors for interfering with law enforcement and an emergency call.

Judge Nathaniel Hibben presided over the hearing with deputy Goshen County and prosecuting attorney, Colby Sturgeon, representing the State of Wyoming.

Judge Hibben began the proceedings with mandatory readings of the defendant’s constitutional rights including the right to remain silent, the right to defense counsel, and the right to a bond.

“You are in custody and are being charged with several offenses,” Hibben began. “A bond might include a financial component, there will be some rules you will have to follow as well, and they will be in place. You are being charged with a felony and are entitled to a preliminary hearing. At a preliminary hearing, the state must present probable cause. If there is, the case will continue with a preliminary hearing within ten days of today. At the end of the preliminary hearing, if probable cause is to be found, the case will be transferred to the district court. It’s the same courthouse but a different courtroom where you will see judge Buchanan.”

Judge Hibben proceeded to then go over charges by the state with the defendant, as well as all present within the courtroom.

“According to Colby Sturgeon, he respectfully shows that Andrew McMurrin did unlawfully on count one on April 23, 2024, intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly cause bodily harm and physical pain to a pregnant woman. The state alleges this as being against the peace and dignity of the State of Wyoming. This is a felony and if convicted you could face 10 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, or both.”

After explaining the charges to the defendant, prosecuting attorney Sturgeon went over the desired rules and terms of bond on behalf of the state.

According to Sturgeon, the severity of McMurrin’s alleged offense as well as an extensive history of run-ins with the law would merit a higher cash bond, as well as strictly enforced rules to meet in terms of bond.

“Your Honor, obviously we have a very serious charge here with the victim being a pregnant woman and having injuries inflicted on her,” Sturgeon said. “With that, Your Honor, we would ask there be no contact with the victim in this matter, and he should certainly not be at her address in Torrington.”

“We haven’t had the opportunity to speak with her yet,” Sturgeon continued. “Myself along with my assistants have been trying to reach her but haven’t had the opportunity to speak just yet. At this junction, there should be a no-contact order. Your Honor, I’ve looked through Mr. McMurrin’s criminal history. There is a whole slew of different charges dating back quite a while. There are felonies including a burglary from 2010, a theft from 2010 as well, a failure to appear in 2009 and he also has a trespassing felony. I believe, Your Honor, the trespassing comes from numerous charges which eventually added up to a felony.”

Sturgeon would continue listing the defendant’s prior legal charges including contempt of court in 2013, a parole violation; and another assault which involved shoving and kicking an individual in Pueblo, Colorado.

Sturgeon noted before the court McMurrin has various other documented legal infractions involving mainly substance abuse.

It should be noted the defendant was living in Denver up until roughly six months ago when he began residing in Torrington, as well as working for a locally owned business.

“A lot of these prior convictions relate to dangerous drugs,” Sturgeon continued. “There would appear to be in 2018 charges of possession of dangerous drugs, DUIs, and other substance-type things like that. Your Honor, this is what the state sees in terms of criminal history. I am glad to see Mr. McMurrin working, and I believe his boss is here today as well. So, I am glad to see he has support, genuinely has a job, and those types of things. Your Honor, mainly due to the serious nature of the crime and what happened, the state would ask for a $7,500 cash bond. That would assure him to be law-abiding, and hopefully receive a little more supervision while out on bond to make sure he’s behaving. We also ask he not consume any substances. Obviously, dangerous drugs are illegal and would be a violation along with drinking. He should be law-abiding during his time on bond.”

After hearing both explanations of said charges as well as where the state stands amid allegations, McMurrin was given a moment to speak before the court regarding what seemed to be a long history of legal problems.

“Your Honor, my criminal history on paper is very lengthy,” McMurrin began. “One thing [prosecution] failed to mention is I was 18. The way he read them were all separate charges. I’ve been sober for many years, and I’ve worked every day to take care of my daughter. I have money in my pocket where I can post bond, and depending on how much it costs I’ll know where I’ll be staying. I will also file a contingency.”

After hearing statements from both the prosecution and the defendant, judge Hibben proceeded to set a bond for McMurrin as well as setting all the terms and rules a defendant must abide by while out on bond.

“There will be a $7,500 cash bond or surety,” Hibben said. “You can post $7,500 cash, or you can post some amount with bail bonds. Usually, it is a nonrefundable premium and is anywhere from 10 to 20 percent of the face value, but that is a product of a private contract. You will have the option to speak with a bondsman, but as far as dollars involved you will have to talk to a bondsman. Here are your rules, and even if you post bond you have to follow these rules. Any violations could result in you being rearrested and subjected to a much higher bond, which will be very difficult for you to meet. You will live a law-abiding life, keep in contact with your attorney, notify the court or lawyer if you change your address or number and you must appear at all court hearings. You will stay in Wyoming, and you will not possess a firearm. I find this to be a necessary bond rate based on the allegations. You will not visit bars or drive-up liquor stores, and you are subject to be tested or searched for drugs and alcohol.”

Just prior to the court standing in recess, judge Hibben mentioned one more time the defendant’s order to steer entirely clear of the alleged victim who currently resides in Torrington.

“You are to have no contact verbally, by telephone, or electronic written communication,” Hibben continued. “There is also to be no nonverbal communication or a third-party giving message. You may not engage in any form of contact the human mind can think of. You are not to bother or harass any witnesses in this case, and you will not be at the alleged victim’s home. You have two additional charges of interference with a peace officer and an emergency call. It is intended to merge those all into one, where everything is a part of one case rather than three. What it means is there will be a filing of amended information, and you will be seen on everything all at once.”

The defendant began to voice protest regarding the terms; however, this was swiftly remedied by judge Hibben.

“It’s not your choice. The state intends to do this. I appreciate what you are saying, but you will get a chance to talk to your lawyer. See you on Tuesday, April 30 at 8:30 a.m.”

The court stood in recess at 9:27 a.m.