FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 31, 2007

Jackson County grand jury indicts two

State Attorney Steve Meadows presented two cases, resulting in two indictments issued by a Jackson County grand jury today.

Julian Jackson "Jack" Shiver, WM, 5-27-62, Ashley Shiver Road, Altha, was indicted for First Degree Murder, Attempted First Degree Murder, Armed Burglary of a Dwelling, and Shooting into an Occupied Dwelling. The charges stem from the April 14, 2007, shooting death of Felisia Shiver and the shooting at Felisia Shiver’s friend, Paul Barber. It is alleged that Jack Shiver broke into Barber’s home and shot Felisia Shiver with a nine millimeter handgun. Further, it is alleged that Barber returned fire and wounded Jack Shiver. The defendant is in custody having previously been charged with Second Degree Murder in this incident. He is being held without bond on the murder count.

The case will be presented to the State Attorney’s Office Death Penalty Qualification Committee. That group, consisting of seasoned prosecutors from throughout the 14th Circuit, will review the case and make a recommendation to State Attorney Steve Meadows. Meadows will make the decision as to whether to seek the death penalty.

Also indicted was Michael Richard Claus, WM, 7-8-83, of Moor Road, Marianna. Claus was charged with Aggravated Assault, Discharging a Firearm, on a Law Enforcement Officer, Aggravated Fleeing or Attempting to Elude–High Speed and Reckless Driving, Possession of Methamphetamine, and Possession of the List Chemical, anhydrous ammonia. The charges against Claus arise from a May 4, 2007, incident in which Claus is alleged to have led a Jackson County Sheriff’s Deputy on a high speed chase before leaving his vehicle and discharging a shotgun when confronted. Claus was shot and wounded by the deputy. Further, it is alleged that a search of the vehicle located the methamphetamine and the anhydrous ammonia. Anhydrous ammonia is a chemical commonly used in the manufacture of methamphetamine.

Claus will have a first appearance before a judge in Marianna on Wednesday. If convicted of Aggravated Assault, Discharging a Firearm, on a Law Enforcement Officer, Clause faces a 20 year minimum mandatory sentence under Florida’s 10-20-life law.