BEATRICE – Bond is expected to be set Wednesday for one of two defendants arrested on warrants this past weekend, in the death of an infant child in Beatrice.

Gage County Judge Jeff Gaertig Tuesday granted court-appointed counsel for Austin Meyn, who is charged with felony intentional child abuse resulting in death and felony negligent child abuse, resulting in death.   The more serious charge carries a penalty, upon conviction, of a mandatory minimum twenty-year prison term, up to life in prison.  The lower felony carries a possible penalty of up to twenty years in prison.

Meyn appeared in court through a video hearing, Tuesday afternoon.

Meyn will be represented by an attorney from the Nebraska Commission on Public Advocacy.   Judge Gaertig scheduled a hearing for three p.m. Wednesday, for the setting of bond in the case.  Meyn remains in custody at the Gage County Jail.

Meanwhile a second defendant, Ashlen Zitek, had her bond set Monday at $250,000 on a felony charge of negligent child abuse resulting in death….and a misdemeanor count of negligent child abuse.  The felony count against her carries a sentence of up to three years in prison, if convicted.  Zitek is being represented by Gage County Public Defender Lee Timan.  Her next court appearance is scheduled for October 15th.

Gage County prosecutors allege the crimes occurred last August 14th or 15th

Meyn was arrested Saturday morning at a home along Herbert Street in Beatrice.  Zitek was arrested at her place of work, north of Beatrice.