Schoonover Murder Case in Jasper County On Hold Until Fitness is Determined

A Jasper County murder case is on hold while the defendant is being examined as to his fitness.

31-year-old Paul Schoonover of Newton is being held on five counts of First Degree Murder and two counts of Aggravated Battery. Schoonover is charged in the June 2023 death of Terry Eastep of Newton. Eastep was found inside a residence in Newton and died three days later from his injuries.

Schoonover was to go on trial this month, but his attorney, Jasper County Public Defender Lindsay Savage, has filed a motion to have her client checked as to his fitness. The case is due in court on August 29 as to the status of the matter. In the meantime, a jury trial and pre-trial for Schoonover for this month have been vacated.

Schoonover is being held in Jasper County Jail in Newton.