REPORT: Family of victim in Lewis County murder case speaks out, wants justice

LOWVILLE- The next court date for the man accused of strangling his own boss to death last winter in Lewis County will be towards the end of July.

Jacob Vanbergen, the suspected person who allegedly took the life of Brandon Shepker, 39, in early January, appeared Tuesday in Lewis County Court for arraignment on a charge of murder in the second-degree.

This development is according to the latest from WWNY-TV.

Shepker’s mother, Diane, and brother, Brian, made the trip from Coudersport, PA, the hometown for both Vanbergen and Shepker, to attend his court appearance.

They spoke with reporters following the hearing. “We want justice, the maximum penalty as much as possible,” Brian said.

“This was horrific. Horrific. Totally uncalled for. Senseless,” Diane said.

As reported, the two were sharing a room at the Ridge View Lodge in Lowville, NY and got into a dispute.

It’s reported that both the prosecution and the defense are awaiting further details to surface in the case.

One thing that has made the process difficult revolves around the fact that there are two jurisdictions involved, since the alleged murder took place here in Lewis County and Vanbergen was subsequently arrested in his home state.

He remains held in the Lewis County Jail on $2 million bail.

Lewis County Courthouse image.