An Owensville man charged in the Sept. 13 stabbing death of 21-year-old Owensville man Trey R. Johnson, and wounding three others, pled not guilty this morning, Sept. 23, in Gasconade County Associate Circuit Judge Ada Brehe-Krueger’s courtroom and requested a $25,000 cash or surety bond.

Henry William Lorton, 36, is being held at the Franklin County Adult Detention Facility in Union on a no-bond warrant. He was denied a public defender and is being represented by Robert D. Schollmeyer.

According to court records, Lorton, who was charged with second-degree murder, a class A felony, and three counts of first-degree assault, class B felonies, in connection with a Sept. 13 homicide investigation in downtown Owensville. He is requesting bond and for victims to be notified of the request if required.

In the bond request, Lorton’s attorney claims that:

• The defendant poses no danger to the community and has strong community ties.

• Lives in Gasconade County.

• Has supportive family members.

• Is gainfully employed.

• Is willing to comply with any conditions the court deems appropriate, including but not limited to reporting requirements, alcohol testing, GPS or check-ins, no contact orders and maintaining employment.

• Continued detention imposes significant hardship, including loss of employment, inability to keep up with his financial obligations, and interference with preparation of defense.

• References Missouri Supreme Court Rule 33.01(e) as a determining method in whether to detain or release the defendant with conditions, or combination of conditions of release.

A motion filed by Schollmeyer on behalf of Lorton requested the court order the preservation of all evidence related to the investigation and prosecution of this case, including everything “collected, generated, maintained or reviewed during the investigation is material to preparation of the defense and may contain exculpatory, impeachment, mitigation or otherwise relevant information.

Schollmeyer alleges that “there exists a risk that certain evidence may be altered, overwritten, destroyed, lost, transferred, or otherwise become unavailable absent a specific preservation order.

Lorton was arrested on Sept. 14, following a Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) homicide investigation into the incident that occurred around 1:28 a.m. on Sept. 13 in the 100 block of N. First Street.

The MSHP probable cause statement that led to the arrest warrant detailed information provided by an unnamed witness who said he was with Lorton throughout the evening of Sept. 12 and the following morning, Sept. 13.

The witness claimed he and Lorton were involved in an altercation with six subjects in an alley after the witness threw a beer bottle and it struck a vehicle. He said after the altercation, Lorton stated he believed he had stabbed four people.

According to the PC statement. “Lorton alleged he must have passed out or blacked out. When he woke, the four males were running away. He claimed he did not have a pocket knife with him during either altercation, and denied stabbing or cutting anyone.”

During the execution of the search warrant on Lorton’s residence, a pair of shoes, blue jeans and a gray shirt, all of which had what appeared to be bloodstains, were located in Lorton’s bedroom.

Trooper Austin Kings, with the Division of Drug and Crime Control, noted in the probable cause statement that Lorton is “ a danger to a crime victim because Lorton was involved in an altercation and stabbed four people. One person is deceased and three of the subjects who were stabbed required medical treatment for stab wounds inflicted by Lorton.

The statements of the three remaining victims have not been released at this time.

“The victims’ identities and statements aren’t released as public record at this time in the investigation,” Owensville Police Chief Scott Griffith explained during a previous interview.