A sheep shearer from New Zealand pleaded not guilty to Second Degree murder charges on Wednesday, March 23 in Lincoln County District Court in Kemmerer.

Monique Sullivan has been charged with the stabbing death of Andrew Moore, also from New Zealand. Both Sullivan and Moore were working at a sheep ranch near Kemmerer with a group of sheep shearers who travel the country.

The charges stem from an event that occurred in February late at night at the ranch when Sullivan and Moore got into an argument after drinking. Sullivan told investigators that she “went into a rage” during the argument, picked up a knife, starting making stabbing motions towards Moore and eventually stabbed him in the side. Moore was transported to South Lincoln Medical Center where he passed away. Sullivan was also transported to South Lincoln Medical Center for a self inflicted knife wound to her wrist. She was later booked into the Lincoln County Justice Center and charged with Moore’s death.

Lincoln County Attorney Spencer Allred told SVI News that a jury trial for Sullivan has been set for August 21. She will continue to be held on a $500,000 bond until trial.

“Evidence will now be provided during this stage and they will start weighing their options,” stated Allred.

Following the plea, District Court Judge Joseph Bluemel ordered probation and parole researchers to compose a pre-sentence investigation report on Sullivan’s life. Typically the report details a  person’s history, character, issues and natures so that a judge understands each defendant well before sentencing.  Sullivan’s attorney objected to the order, saying that Sullivan should not be giving any intimate life details to the executive branch of government while preparing for a trial. Judge Bluemel overrode the objection, but assured that the report would be private and prosecutors would not be able to access it.