he tragic case surrounding the July shooting death of former WWE developmental talent Kevin Nikel has taken another step forward in court.
On November 19, a bond hearing was held for Michael Hogue and Amanda Penny Nikels ex-wife who have both been charged in connection with his murder.
According to CBS affiliate Channel 5, prosecutors revealed new details during the hearing. Josh Robinson, the prosecuting attorney, told the court that the fatal shooting occurred during an argument involving all three individuals. Most shocking of all, Robinson said that Kevin Nikel identified Hogue as the shooter before he died. Nikel told those he sought help from someone driving down the road and told them that Hogue shot him.
With both suspects now in custody, the court set their bond amounts: Hogues at $750,000, and Pennys at $500,000. Both are also facing weapons-related charges in addition to their murder counts. They are scheduled to return to court on January 5, 2026.
Nikel, also known to fans as Ivan Warsaw and Knuckles Madsen, was 41 at the time of his death. He previously held a WWE developmental deal and remained active on the Southern wrestling scene through 2024. The shooting occurred just days after Nikel finalized his divorce from Penny, and his family believes he may have been lured into the fatal meeting.
With bond now set and a return court date locked in, the legal battle over what really happened that night is just beginning.
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