The man who shot two people in Taylorville on Tuesday appeared in court for the first time Thursday afternoon. Nathan L. Howell appeared via video conference from the Christian County Jail. State Attorney Mike Havera issued new charges against Howell. He is being charged with aggravated discharge of a firearm and attempted 1st-degree murder (2019CF203). Judge Christopher Matoush had State Attorney Havera read the probable cause. At 10:32 PM on July 17, a 9-1-1 call came in for an unresponsive subject from a possible gunshot. Officers were dispatched to 1259 N1250 East Road. As officers arrived, shouting was heard. A male and a female flagged down police. The officers were trying to establish where the gun was, and the male and female didn’t know. As police cleared the house, a man, later identified as Mike Staton, was found bleeding from the head in the kitchen. EMS was called and began working on Staton. Police went and cleared the rest of the house. A weapon was found at the bottom of the stairs in the back of the house, a .22 caliber Ruger in a pool of blood. As police gathered to spread out to find the shooter, a woman, later identified as Roxanna C. Anthony, approached the group of about 6 people. A shot rang out and hit Anthony in the head and she slumped to the ground. Police later found Nathan C. Howell with a .22 caliber rifle and live rounds of ammunition as well. Both patients were airlifted for treatment. Judge Matoush found probable cause. According to Anthony’s sister, Mary Henderson, she is in ICU and heavily sedated. She also said she is unsure if Roxanna Anthony will be able to see again. Staton was released from the hospital. Howell requested an attorney for the bond hearing. Bond is set for Friday morning at 10:30. Howell said on record, he wouldn’t be able to pay bond. Howell faces 6-30 years, a $25,000 fine, and 3 years parole for aggravated discharge of a firearm and 25-life for attempted 1st-degree murder. Howell will have to serve at least 85% of his sentence if convicted and no probation will be granted.
