A 20-year-old Humboldt man was found guilty Tuesday of second-degree murder in Humboldt County District Court. William Jacob Shekey was charged with the murder of 41-year-old Michael Lee Ruberg of Dakota City in a bench trial presided by Judge Bryan H. McKinley.
McKinley said the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt that Shekey had fought Ruberg, that Ruberg died to his injuries from a fight, that Shekey intended to hurt him and Shekey was not justified in his actions. The incident occurred last April 5th at a party in Rutland.
According to the State Medical Examiner’s Office, Ruberg died from blunt force injury that lacerated an artery in his neck. Shekey was arrested April 11th at his parent’s home in Humboldt. Investigators said that they focused their efforts on Shekey after witnesses reportedly identified him as the man who fought with Ruberg prior to his death.
Second-degree murder is a felony and is punishable by up to 50 years in prison. The sentencing for Shekey is set for September 22nd. He was ordered to remain in jail until that time.