Simeon Gail Calnimptewa, 19, pleaded guilty to aggravated murder and aggravated assault during a June 9, 2026, court hearing, marking a major development in a case stemming from a 2024 fatal shooting in Washington City. The plea, entered during a review hearing at the 5th District Court in St. George, resolves a case that has been moving through the judicial system for nearly two years.
Guilty Plea and Charges
The guilty plea, which was part of a stipulated agreement discussed during the hearing, addresses the death of 30-year-old Bransen Bryels-Nechanicky. Calnimptewa pleaded guilty to one count of first-degree felony aggravated murder and one count of third-degree felony aggravated assault before District Judge Ryan E. Christiansen.
Legal Proceedings and Adult Charges
At the time of the incident, Calnimptewa was 17 years old, but he was charged as an adult. During a waiver hearing held on Oct. 8, 2024, he waived his right to a preliminary hearing, which allowed the case to be bound over for trial.
Scope of Original Charges
The criminal charges against Calnimptewa were extensive. According to court documents, his original charges included six first-degree felonies, including aggravated murder, aggravated robbery, aggravated burglary, and three counts of discharge of a firearm. He also faced two second-degree felony counts for theft of a firearm and five third-degree felonies, including two counts of possession of a firearm by a restricted person, two counts of prohibited dangerous weapon conduct, and one count of aggravated assault.
The 2024 Shooting Incident
The shooting occurred on June 30, 2024, at the Red Rock at Sienna Hills apartments located at 20 N. Red Trail in Washington City. Police responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired at the location.
Details of the Crime Scene
Responding officers discovered a man in the kitchen of an apartment suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save his life, Bryels-Nechanicky died at the scene, according to charging documents filed at the time of the investigation.
Account from Second Victim
Investigators identified a second victim who was present with the man during the incident. This individual reported that the pair had left the apartment for several hours the night before and returned shortly before 2 a.m. to find various belongings piled in the living room.
The Confrontation and Altercation
The victim and his companion reportedly encountered an intruder wearing a ski mask who was holding a firearm pointed at them. A struggle occurred when the male victim attempted to confront the intruder. During this altercation, the suspect shot the man at least three times, authorities stated.
