Suspect's Bond Set At $100K

William Shane Serrano, 36, remains in the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center.

On Jan. 5, his bond was set at $100,000. Serrano has been charged with a Class IIA Felony. The punishment for such a charge ranges from zero to 20 years in jail.

Serrano's next appearance in court was scheduled for Jan. 26 at 9:30 a.m. for a status of waiver of preliminary hearing.

According to the complaint filed by County Attorney David L. Wilson, “William S. Serrano, on or about the 3rd day of January A.D. 2022, in the County of Kimball and State of Nebraska, then and there being did then and there unintentionally cause the death of Tessa Ghering while the defendant was in the commission of an unlawful act.”

As Kimball County public defender, Stacy Bach has been appointed to represent Serrano. Bach said Kelly Breen also represents Serrano: “Due to the nature of the case, the Commission of Public Advocacy has been appointed.”

Breen is an attorney with the Commission of Public Advocacy.

Bach said, “At this time, we are not able to comment on his case.”

If released on the $100,000 bond, Serrano will also have several bond conditions to which he must adhere.

According to the court documents, shortly after the shooting, a search warrant was obtained by the Nebraska State Patrol and the residence at 602 S. Oak was searched.

The NSP also interviewed Serrano. “Serrano stated he had been fighting with someone, and Tessa told him of a shotgun that was in the rafters of the garage. Serrano said he retrieved the gun from the garage and brought it inside the house.”

Serrano continued with the interview, stating that he was trying to clear the weapon. The report stated that he said “Tessa had told him to be careful it was loaded … He was attempting to break the action, and the gun went off and shot her.”

Tessa Ghering, 21, was the girlfriend of Serrano, 36. She was deceased at the scene.