NewsNational News

Actions

‘War Machine’ trial date set for Vegas attempted murder case

Posted at 5:21 PM, Feb 20, 2015
and last updated 2015-02-20 17:21:15-05

LAS VEGAS, Nev. — A September trial date was set for former mixed martial arts fighter War Machine in a case alleging him of attempting to kill his ex-girlfriend in her Las Vegas home.

KVVU reports that during a pre-trial status check on Wednesday, Las Vegas Justice Court Judge Elissa Cadish set the start of War Machine’s trial for Sept. 28.

War Machine, which is the legal name for Jonathan Koppenhaver, pleaded not guilty to 34 felony charges including attempted murder, sexual assault, battery and coercion. He faces up to life in prison if convicted.

In August 2014, Koppenhaver was arrested in connection to an assault case that took place at the home of his ex-girlfriend, Christine Mackinday.

According to police, Mackinday, who is otherwise known as Christy Mack, accused Koppenhaver in the Aug. 8 attack that left her and a male friend badly injured.

Citing Mack, an arrest report described Koppenhaver breaking into her home and punching her in the face several times. The document also described Mack’s escape from her home.

After police named him a suspect in the assault case, Koppenhaver fled to California and was later captured there.

After extradition and booking into Clark County Detention Center, Koppenhaver attempted suicide while behind bars.
Amid the investigation of the case, Mack has gone public in drawing support for domestic violence causes.

Another pre-trial hearing was also set for April 22.