Hit-and-run suspect denied pre-trial release

After an investigation into a hit-and-run incident, resulting in the death of 34-year-old Dakota Gibson, on East 1200th Road in Paris, deputies of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Office arrested 34-year-old Rheanna Satterfield.

Satterfield appeared in an Edgar County courtroom, in the custody of the Edgar County Sheriff’s Department, at 1:30 p.m. on April 24.

She currently faces two charges: failure to report a crash/death (Class 1 Felony) and murder (Class M Felony). After hearing the charges against her, the defendant said she understood the potential consequences of the alleged crimes and requested a public defender. Edgar County Public Defender Nathanael Harsy was appointed to represent the defendant.

When asked by Judge Mark Isaf to present probable cause for the charges alleged, Edgar County State’s Attorney Phillip Dobelstein detailed a three-day sequence of violent and dangerous events ultimately leading to the defendant's arrest, including potential crimes against multiple individuals across Edgar and Clark Counties.

The state also filed a motion to deny pre-trial release based on the severity and violence of the alleged crimes.

“These acts show she is a violent individual,” Dobelstein said. “Even on their own, these charges are enough to detain.”

Harsy argued that Clark County had yet to file any charges against the defendant, so any alleged crimes in other counties should not be considered for her detention. He also highlighted that the defendant had “no significant criminal history” and had turned herself in once she was made aware of the warrant for her arrest. 

After hearing arguments, Judge Isaf found probable cause to believe a crime had been committed and that Satterfield had been involved. The Judge also agreed with the state and approved the motion to deny pre-trial release.

“She poses a real and present threat to the community,” he said.

Satterfield was released into the custody of the Edgar County Sheriff. Her next court appearance is at 2:15 p.m. on May 12, 2025, for a preliminary hearing.