Trial set for Polo man accused of killing Oregon man

OREGON – A three-day trial is scheduled in May for a Polo man charged with three counts of first-degree murder in the death of an Oregon man who was shot more than two years ago.

Cody W. Neuschwanger, 26, faces six to 60 years to up to life in prison if convicted in the death of 37-year-old Devin Bailey, who was found wounded about 9:15 p.m. Oct. 29, 2020, in a home in the 1100 block of First Avenue in Rochelle.

Bailey was rushed to Rochelle Community Hospital, where he was pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to his torso.

Neuschwanger also is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, which carries a sentence of six to 30 years.

Two Polo men, then 17, also were charged with mob action in the shooting, which at the time Rochelle Chief of Police Eric Higby said was the result of a domestic argument that got out of hand. They were released to their parents.

Neuschwanger has been free since Jan. 15, 2021, after posting $10,000 of his $100,000 bail, which was reduced from $500,000 on Nov. 4, 2020, over the objection of the prosecution.

His trial is scheduled for May 16 to 18 in Ogle County Court, with a status hearing set for March 15.

Judge Ben Roe is presiding. Neuschwanger is represented by Chicago attorney Michael Johnson; Ogle County State’s Attorney Mike Rock is prosecuting.