Tragedy strikes home
BROKEN BOW - The community of Broken Bow is saddened to have a local business owner not be able to walk into her main street business anymore. Tragedy struck over the weekend. Crystal “Cris” Esch died when she was shot in her home north of Broken Bow. On
Monday, bouquets of flowers and notes were being left outside of Esch’s business, Costa’s Salon, on Monday.
Some friends and clients shared memories of Cris.
“After being closed for COVID, Cris had just opened the salon when I called for an appointment. She asked if I was growing a ponytail yet!
If you knew my hair, you would know the answer. When I arrived, she said “Holy cow, you’re pretty close to a ponytail” and then just laughed. We had a wonderful catchup after three months.” Christi Cooley
“One thing I remember about Cris is a few years ago, we both were taking therapy at the same time. She had shoulder surgery and was recovering to be able to go back to work and I had broken my arm. The hour was early in the morning but she always had a smile and a hello, even though you knew there was some pain involved with her recovery.” Donnis Hueftle-Bullock
“When I went to the salon to get my nails done by the nail tech at Costas, Cris was always so happy and friendly. She was ready to tease and had a good sense of humor.” Shirley McGinn
“Cris has been one of my best friends for over two decades. She and I have been together through good times, bad times, grief and joy. She was one of the angels in my life. I will miss her forever.” Cheryl Smith
One thing I remember about Cris is her ability to make anyone and everyone feel like an old friend. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from. When you walked in her door, you were important. Deb Kennedy
BROKEN BOW - Trent Esch, 44, made his first appearance in Custer County Court Monday, July 13 via video conference in connection with the July 11 shooting that killed Crystal Esch.
Esch has been charged with three counts: First Degree Murder, a Class 1A Felony that carries a penalty of life imprisonment; Use of Firearm During the Commission of a Felony, a Class 1C Felony that has a mandatory minimum of 5 years imprisonment and a maximum of 50 year; and Possession of a Firearm by Prohibited
Person, a Class 1D Felony that has a minimum three years imprisonment and a maximum of 50 years.
Bail bond was requested at $5 million on the arrest warrant. On Monday, the Custer County Court set No Bond.
According to court documents, Esch told the court that he wishes to obtain his own counsel.
A status hearing has been scheduled for Aug. 3 Esch is being held in the Dawson County Jail.
In March, 2013, Trent Esch was found guilty of Count I - Use of a Weapon to Commit Criminal Mischief, a Class 1C Felony, and Count II - Criminal Mischief, a Class 4 Felony.
He was sentenced to 5 to 7 years with the Nebraska Department of Correctional Service for the first court and 20 to 26 months for the second count. He was also to pay $7,500 in restitution.
The charges were in connection with a March 18, 2012 shooting at a Custer County Deputy’s patrol vehicle.
Upon appeal to the Nebraska Supreme Court, Count I was vacated and dismissed in March, 2015.
According to court documents, protection orders against Esch were issued as recently as June, 2020 for Crystal Esch and others.