Vernal man killed in roommate dispute, police say

VERNAL — One man is dead and another is in jail following what police believe was a dispute between roommates.

Officers received a 911 call about 7:40 p.m. Thursday to a trailer home at 65 E. 400 North, according to Vernal Assistant Police Chief Keith Campbell. When they arrived, they found Mark Lane "Joe" Bedwell bleeding from several stab wounds.

Bedwell, 46, was transported to Ashley Regional Medical Center, where he died.

Officers determined that William Robert Feldmiller, who shares the trailer with Bedwell, stabbed his roommate several times in the chest during an altercation, Campbell said. Alcohol use was a factor in the incident, he said.

Court records show Feldmiller sought a civil stalking injunction against Bedwell in October 2009. He alleged that Bedwell had tried to forcibly evict him on Oct. 7 at 5:50 a.m. and again on Oct. 8 at 1 a.m.

"I took over the rent on his trailer (and) caught up all back rent and paid a couple months ahead," Feldmiller wrote in court papers.

He described Bedwell as "boisterous" and "foul talking" as he threatened to "put me out without notice and move someone else (in), in my place."

Eighth District Judge Ed Peterson denied Feldmiller's request, writing that there was "no legal basis" to issue the stalking injunction.

Jeff Wagner, manager of Vernal Cab Co., said Bedwell was one of his "most gracious drivers."

"He was a big Teddy bear," Wagner said, adding that Bedwell was recovering from a broken hip suffered six months ago.

"He didn't have a violent bone in his body," Wagner said.

Feldmiller is being held in the Uintah County Jail for investigation of murder, a first-degree felony. His bail is set at $25,000, according to a booking officer at the jail.

e-mail: geoff@ubstandard.com

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