By: Stephen P. Lagoy
A judge in Bonner County, Idaho has appointed a mediator to attempt to resolve a first-degree murder case. Unbelievable? The judge’s action was in response to a joint motion made by the County Prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney. The mediator will be paid with public funds. The case involves a theft-related shooting death near Coolin, Idaho in January, 2007. The victim died of a .22-caliber gunshot wound to the face. The defendant and his former wife fled the region after the shooting and were tracked to Fort Myers Beach, Fla. They were arrested several months after the slaying and were charged with first-degree murder and grand theft by possession of stolen property. The latter offense stemmed from a $56,000 escrow check that belonged to the victim. The ex-wife has pleaded guilty to second degree murder. If the mediation is not successful, an eight-day trial is anticipated.
For more information, contact Stephen P. Lagoy.
