Dollards plead not guilty in fatal bar fight

LANDER (WNE)  — The trio accused in a fatal bar fight last month pleaded not guilty to their charges last week.

Richard "Deak" Dollard, his brother Justin Dollard and Justin's adult son Jesse Dollard all entered not guilty pleas during a hearing in District Court. 

Deak Dollard is accused of the most serious charges – second-degree murder and manslaughter – in the death of Evan Denevan. Justin Dollard faces charges of being an accessory before the fact to second-degree murder and being an accessory before the fact to manslaughter. Jesse Dollard originally faced the same two charges as his father, but the more serious charge of being an accessory before the fact to second-degree murder was dismissed in circuit court.

The charges allege the fatal Jan. 9 fight at The Maverick was captured by multiple surveillance cameras and bystander cellphone videos which show a fight ensued when Deak put the victim, Denevan, into a martial-arts style choke hold, while Justin pulled on the hood of Denevan's sweatshirt, yanking his head in the opposite direction.

Denevan collapsed, and the Dollards reportedly returned to their drinks without rendering aid, the affidavit in the case describes.

Deak is being held on $500,000 bond, while Justin's bond was set at $200,000. Jesse's bond was originally $150,000, but lowered to $100,000 at the same circuit court hearing in which his most serious charge was dismissed.

Deak, who was last employed as a Bureau of Land Management law enforcement ranger, faces life in prison if convicted of the most serious charge.

This story was published on Feb. 7, 2026.