Orleans man charged with attempted murder of man at mobile home park

HARLAN COUNTY, Nebraska — An Orleans man is facing charges after a man claimed he tried to murder him at a Harlan County mobile home park.

Christopher Haunton, 47, is charged in Harlan County District Court with attempted first-degree murder, use of a deadly weapon to commit a serious felony and malicious damage to property.

According to an affidavit, Harlan County Sheriff's Office officers were called to the RV park on Highway 136 in Orleans on Friday.

The affidavit states that a group of people were there on Thursday evening when Haunton loaded a pistol with ammunition he had recently purchased from Orleans Service.

The affidavit states that the group went to Haunton's Orleans residence later that evening.

One of those involved said that the topic of kidnapping came up and that Haunton “reacted very distantly” – but a more detailed description of the nature of the conversation was not included in the affidavit.

Deputies said one of the men also brought up the subject of pedophilia, which led to Haunton punching the man in the face, according to the affidavit.

The report said a scuffle broke out and one of the men involved fled the house.

On Friday morning, the man, who was running home, reported to the sheriff's office that he was awakened by gunshots. He said he saw Haunton standing in the doorway of a mobile home pointing the same gun at him as the night before.

The man told officers he got out of bed and found bullet holes in the bed and the RV. The affidavit states officers found seven 9mm cartridges under the bed and 10 empty, fired 9mm shell casings near the entrance to the RV.

Haunton's bail was set at $500,000. His next court date is scheduled for August 27 at 10:30 a.m.