By Joe Bachman

An Auburndale man appeared in court today for charges of first degree reckless homicide for the 2014 death of a Wisconsin Rapids man.

On Dec. 2, 2014, officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Chase St. regarding the death of 28-year-old Daniel Martz. According to an eyewitness, 33-year-old Kyle Keding shot Martz up with heroin earlier that night.

A witness informed police that he and others drove with Keding to Wausau that day to “pick up a few things” — Keding entered a Wausau residence and soon returned to the vehicle, and then drove back to Wisconsin Rapids.

According to Keding, he visited the Wausau residence of Wade Bell on the 600 block of Brown St., and then provided others with heroin later that night. Martz allegedly wanted some heroin, which led to Keding to direct another to give him some. Martz snorted the substance, but soon after appeared to be “not right” and became unresponsive.

Narcan was given to Martz in an attempt to revive him, though unsuccessful, and Keding fled the residence shortly after a 911 call was placed out of fear of getting into trouble.

The next day, a search warrant was issued for the residence of Wade Bell, where heroin was found inside.

If convicted, both men face up to 40 years imprisonment and up to $100,000 in fines. Keding appeared today in court for an arraignment, and a new preliminary hearing is pending schedule. Bell is currently incarcerated at Oshkosh Correctional Institution. His preliminary hearing is set for Oct. 13.