Murder suspect pleads not guilty in death of Columbus woman
Woman’s remains were found in Clay County field
By News Channel Nebraska
CLAY CENTER, Neb. (KSNB) - An Osceola man charged with murdering a Columbus woman pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Anthony Mattison, 35, is charged with first-degree murder, use of a firearm to commit a felony, possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and improper disposal of human remains.
The remains of 25-year-old Jasmine Garnett of Columbus were found in October 2022 in a Clay County field. The Nebraska State Patrol said she had been murdered. Garnett’s family said Mattison was the last person to see Jasmine alive about a month before her remains were found.
Court records show Mattison pleaded not guilty Wednesday and a judge set a pre-trial hearing date for Sept. 16. Court documents did not indicate whether or not a trial date had been scheduled. Mattison is being held at the Nebraska Corrections Department’s Reception and Treatment Center in Lincoln.
Mattison also faces charges for various crimes in Hall and Platte counties. He’s charged with attempted murder, attempted assault, terroristic threats and two weapons charges in connection with a shoot-out with Hastings police. He was accused of firing a gun at Hastings police officers.
That incident happened about 10 days after Garnett was reported missing.
After being ruled incompetent to stand trial on the Hastings charges, Mattison was treated at the Lincoln Regional Center. In March, after reviewing reports from the LRC, a judge ruled Mattison fit for trial in that case.