A Helena man convicted in the double homicide of a Helena Valley couple in 2018 was sentenced to 80 years in prison Monday. Trude will also be required to pay restitution to the tune of $3,746,500, an amount requested by Leslie Walton as part of the presentence investigation and agreed to by Trude as part of this agreement. Her phone is 406-447-8468. Leo Gallagher, special prosecutor and former county attorney, noted that Ford and Bacons accounts of Ford spraying weeds didnt match. You have permission to edit this collection. 98 were here. In his opinion filed last week, former District Judge Ed McLean, who came out of retirement to preside over the proceedings at the request of Acting Chief Justice of the Montana Supreme Court James Shea, wrote "Judge McMahon acted with integrity and honesty in the proceeding and this matter is referred back to him for further disposition in accordance with the agreed upon disposition agreement.". Menahan denied the dismissal of the counts and said that there doesnt seem to be bad faith by the state when it comes to the Brady Violation. Criminal Investigations - City of Helena, MT - Helena, Montana The trooper initiated the traffic stop after Clyde stopped his truck in the wrong lane of traffic. Gallagher said the state had plenty of sufficient evidence, citing the unique cable ties Ford allegedly checked out, the black garbage bags Ford allegedly checked out on June 24, 2011, the history of disputes between Crites and Ford, phone records, the game camera and deceptive statements from Ford. Detective Peterson can be reached at: 406-447-8471 during regular business hours or byemail. Forbes Advisor Smart Financial Decisions Made Simple I think a reasonable jury could conclude that a man of Fords intelligence and memory made those statements by design, and these statements, your honor, are inconsistent not only with each other, but theyre inconsistent with the testimony of others.. Journey Ryder John Wieneke is charged with two counts of deliberate homicide, tampering with evidence, burglary and theft. People with information about crimes can report to Crime Stoppers anonymously and depending on the information, may receive a cash rewards. Bacon mentioned that he didnt smell any chemicals when he inspected the weeds, and he noted this as strange since Ford said he was recently spraying. Bacon said that he couldnt smell any chemicals in the 250 gallon sprayer tank either, which he said he usually could. Hamm allegedly told investigators he stood outside the victims home on the night of the murder, while Taylor and Wieneke went inside. Their son, Kaleb David Taylor, and another man, Kyle Alexander Hamm, have also been arrested in connection with the crime. Trends Analytics. Taylor pleaded guilty to two counts of deliberate homicide as part of a plea agreement. The Helena Police Department is a member of the Rocky Mountain High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force, which is comprised of other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. During a forensic interview, the child described sexual acts Dean is accused of performing on them, and other sexual situations that are alleged to have happened while Dean and the child were alone together. Defense attorney Palmer Hoovestal said the cable ties Ford supposedly checked out on Feb. 16, 2011, might be the only possible connection the state has between Crites remains and Ford. Weather. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. News. Helena He noted the defense never said anything about not receiving the soil samples until trial. After multiple sentencings and revocations, Mathis was sentenced to Trude initially pleaded not guilty to the negligent homicide charge but changed his plea to guilty during trial. The county paid $865 for the replacement screen, $800 for the labor and $54 for the overnight shipping. You may view the Crimestoppers web page for more information. The sheriffs office announced Duncan was a person of interest last week, but he has not been named a suspect in the murders. HELENA A Helena man is accused of raping a child who was under the age of eight at the time of the allegations. HIDTA works cooperatively with these other agencies in the investigation and enforcement of illegal narcotic drug laws. Court documents state Taylor and two other men, Journey Wieneke and Kyle Hamm, drove to the Taylors home. Prosecutors say Kaleb Taylor, along with Wieneke, Hamm and a fourth man, burglarized his parents business, Lincoln Road RV Park, on March 10. Jun 27, 2023. All charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Mike Crites was last heard from on June 26, 2011. In total, Ellingson's alleged outburst cost $1,719. Two other people, Kevin Matthew Finley and Deeanna Petersen Wright, did appear, on charges that they helped hide Duncan from law enforcement, knowing that he had a warrant for his arrest. and last updated 4:41 PM, Dec 03, 2019. At about 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, a probation and parole Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Detectives investigate crimes related to Child Sexual Abuse Material (Child Pornography), child exploitation, and solicitation of children by electronic means. Further, Trude will be required to forfeit all of his firearms, firearm paraphernalia and ammunition, as well as his 2008 Ducati model 1098 motorcycle, valued by Kelley Blue Book at $7,865, to the Helena Police Department. When Dean was interviewed by detectives he denied the allegations. Helena Montana Police Department - Facebook A 37-year-old Helena man has been charged with one felony count of strangulation of a partner or family member and one misdemeanor count of partner or family member assault. That decision will be made at the discretion of the Department of Corrections. Trude, a former NRA instructor, was charged with negligent homicide and tampering with physical evidence, both felonies, after a round from his .300 Winchester Magnum accidentally discharged in the old K-Mart parking lot on Cedar Street in October 2018, killing Helena Dr. Eugene "Buzz" Walton. Give Light and the People Will Find Their Own Way, Candlelight vigil held for 'Baby Ezekiel' in Great Falls, Crowned: Miss Montana USA, Miss Teen Montana USA. WebCrime & Courts Man shot three times testifies in attempted homicide trial in Butte. Crites and Ford disputed over a road Ford wanted to use across Crites property to access his own and even though there was an easement, Crites put up locked gates and eventually welded a bar across it. Ford said on June 27, 2011, his wife, Debbie, went with him to pick up the county weed spraying trailer they had reserved and to purchase herbicide for weeds. Crime & Public Safety Coroner names 36-year-old St. Helena man fatally shot inside car Tuesday night By Evan McKenna June 29, 2023 12:21 PM Breaking news The Ford and his grandson went up the next morning to spray some more weeds before meeting with Mike Bacon, the weed planner with the Lewis and Clark County Weed District, for an assessment. At about 9 a.m. on Christmas Eve, a probation and parole officer called Helena police to the home of Joseph Covert on the 300 block of Davis Street. Crime & Courts | helenair.com - Helena Independent Record Kirlin was arrested and booked into Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. That agreement, filed Monday, calls for Trude to retract his request to withdraw his guilty plea and his request to disqualify McMahon. The agreement also states if either Sentence Review or the Montana Parole Board does reduce Trude's 1,272-day prison sentence, he will contribute 500 hours toward "teaching or assisting at a hunter-safety course.". You have permission to edit this article. Crime and Courts. Crime Stoppers is acivilian, nonprofit, charitable organizationthat brings together in a relationship, the police, the media, and the community in the fight against crime. PO This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Covert told the officer the substance belonged to him and that he did not have a prescription for it. Helena woman gets more than 5 years in prison for trafficking meth You have permission to edit this article. Associate members of the Montana Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force work with federal and state agencies and local agencies throughout the state. Clyde refused to submit to any field tests or provide a blood sample. Leon Ford takes the stand during the trial for the 2011 killing of Mike Crites on Friday in Helena. Helena-area felony arrests reported Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019 Gallagher said Ford told authorities he had been spraying weeds on his property for three days on June 28, 2011, despite only picking up the rented sprayer the day before. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. A 28-year-old man who reportedly walked away from the Helena Prerelease Center last month has been apprehended in Great Falls. Detective Corporal Kent Anderson is our MATIC Detective. {{start_at_rate}} {{format_dollars}} {{start_price}} {{format_cents}} {{term}}, {{promotional_format_dollars}}{{promotional_price}}{{promotional_format_cents}} {{term}}, Woman dies in ATV crash early on Jan. 1 near Harlem, Helena man sentenced to 80 years in double homicide case, Cases closed: Helena-area court decisions reported Monday, Jan. 20, 2020, Helena man sentenced to life in double homicide case. You can cancel at any time. This page is not monitored 24-7. Prosecutors say Wieneke also washed his feet and a long bar investigators believe may have been the murder weapon. A Helena police officer arrested Seth Kirlin on Christmas at about 8:30 p.m. after Kirlin was involved in a physical altercation with a male family member at a residence on the 500 block of Breckenridge Street. You can cancel at any time. She only has property that has been recoveredwithin the city limits. They said Andrew Nam Duncan was arrested at a Helena residence Sunday night. Thom Bridge Gregg Trude wipes Helena judge cleared of wrongdoing in negligent homicide sentencing. We have one Evidence Technician, Rachel David. Crime Map Neighborhoods. Surveillance video at a car wash shows Taylor and Wieneke washing off their shoes, and all three cleaning out Taylors pickup. Helena man found guilty of multiple sex crimes against minors. Kirlin told officers he "may have bit the victim during the fight.". Helena-area felony arrests reported Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2019. Savings accounts are a smart place to keep money for your short- and long-term financial goals, such as a future home down-payment Get the latest in local public safety news with this weekly email. GREAT FALLS A 30-year-old woman was killed when a speeding all-terrain vehicle hit a patch of ice while turning a corner near Harlem, the Mo. On Monday the defense rested in the trial for the 2011 killing of John Michael Mike Crites, which began on June 1. Also included in his assigned duties are assisting on missing person cases and violent crimes (. Jon Cook is the detective assigned to the Lewis and Clark County Attorneys Office. They left 15 minutes later. The affidavit listed Clyde's six prior DUI convictions stretching back to 1998. Casey can be reached at (406)447-8489 during regular business hours or by email. Ford told him he could, and then Ford said that was probably when Mehan warned him about the nails or booby traps.. He is being held on a petition to revoke and a warrant for felony theft charges. Bacon testified on June 12 that he had to back out of one of the roads and continue the rest of the evaluation on foot with Ford and his grandson. WebBy Lara Vukelich Contributor. They believe the Taylors confronted their son about the crime. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A family friend discovered the Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Golf over 700 holes for $119! A 44-year-old Wolf Creek man has been charged with one felony count of aggravated DUI in addition to four misdemeanor charges of criminal possession of dangerous drugs, a seat belt violation, driving while uninsured and driving with a suspended or revoked license. Detective Schoenfelder can be reached at: 406-447-8475 during regular business hours or byemail. Ford was charged with deliberate homicide and felony tampering with evidence after being accused of having a hand in the death of Turk Road neighbor Crites. Crime in Helena - Helena, MT Crime Map | SpotCrime Helena man accused of raping a young child - KRTV NEWS Great According to the trooper's affidavit, Clyde admitted he was not wearing a seat belt and that his vehicle was not insured. This story is part of a 10-part series on the biggest local stories of 2020. Cpl. Commander in charge of the Criminal Investigations Division Crime and Courts - KTVH According to the transcript, not once did you tell a cop on the 28th of June or the 12th of January that you picked up nails on that road, said Gallagher. Detective Steven Cornish is the Violence Against Women Detective. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). The agreement states Walton's widow, Leslie Walton, opposes it, but Gallagher said McLean asked the parties come to the compromise. 406-457-8829 Helena teacher resigns, faces felony drug charge - KRTV NEWS A 38-year-old Helena man has been charged with one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Sign up for our newsletter to keep reading. A search of the residence turned up sublingual suboxone strips, a schedule 3 drug used to treat opioid addiction. A 38-year-old Helena man has been charged with one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs. Municipal Court - City of Helena, MT - Helena, Montana View on Map, T 406-447-8000 Web1 of 2 Judge Mike McMahon presides over Gregg Trude's negligent homicide trial in September at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. WebHelena man sentenced to five years in prison for felony sexual assault New Jersey cold case went from accidental death to suspected homicide | Late Edition: Crime Beat Chronicles Bond set a $150,000 for Helena man accused WebAs Montana courts transition to a new centralized case management system, certain public records will become available through the Montana District Court Public Access Portal and Martin Bradley Coleman, of Butte, went on trial Monday for attempted deliberate homicide. Former East Helena Police Chief pleads guilty to distribution of child Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. When officers caught up to Davis, he gave them a false name. Ford said he had been warned by his neighbors, either John Mehan or Dennis Shaw, about nails on Turk Road before his June 2011 trip to his property. Helena police officers arrested Brendan Davis Dec. 20 at about 3:30 p.m. after responding to the intersection of Kelleher Lane and Custer Avenue to a report of a hit-and-run crash. This programbuilds relationships between local law enforcement agencies and the Montana Analysis & Technical InformationCenter (MATIC). HOTLINE: 406-443-2000 Please subscribe to keep reading. Ford said that he rinsed the tank and filled it up full of gas, like the county asks people to do. Other 06/22/2023 3:24 PM 1200 BLOCK OF ORANGE Duncan did not appear in court Monday. The Helena Police Department has an officer assigned to the Missouri River Drug Task Force. Helena WebCrime & Courts State rests in trial for 2011 killing of Mike Crites A Helena oncologist embroiled in a legal battle with St. Peters Health has asked a judge to issue a restraining There was a problem saving your notification. Gregg Trude puts his hand to his head before changing his plea to guilty to negligent homicide in the death of Dr. Eugene "Buzz" Walton in Lewis and Clark County District Court. Sergeant Adam Shanks As a general detective, Cpl. Email, City County Building Closing arguments will start Tuesday at 9 a.m. in Menahans courtroom, and the jury will enter deliberation afterward. On Tuesday, Benjamin Willam Dean, 72, made his initial appearance via video in Lewis & Clark County Justice Court before Judge Michael Swingley. (renews at {{format_dollars}}{{start_price}}{{format_cents}}/month + tax). (March 27, 2018)The third suspect in last weeks double murder at a home in the Helena Valley made his first appearance in court Monday. This includes robberies, felony thefts, burglaries, and aggravated burglaries. Detective work is specialized, usually encompassing the examination and evaluation of evidence to apprehend suspects and to build solid cases against them. Covert was arrested and booked into Lewis and Clark County Detention Center. 'Absolutely nothing to connect Leon Ford with Michael Crites death': Defense rests. The charge of tampering with evidence was dismissed. E communication@helenamt.gov, This includes robberies, felony thefts, burglaries, and aggravated burglaries. The division ensures that each case is a solid, high-quality investigation, conducted in a timely manner and that each investigation is handled efficiently, with dedication and professionalism. Copyright 2023 Scripps Media, Inc. All rights reserved. MTN News 10:09 PM, May 09, 2023 . Day 13 opened with Ford resuming the stand and picking up from June 27, 2011. Ford noted that he counted June 26, 2011, as a prep day for spraying weeds on the property when he walked around for most of the day with a metal detector looking for nails and sharp objects on the roads. Officers found about 4.2 grams of hash oil and a "smoking device with drug residue" on Davis. A 25-year-old East Helena man has been charged with one felony count of criminal possession of dangerous drugs and misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing a peace officer. The state noted discrepancies from Fords interviews with law enforcement on June 28, 2011, and in January 2012. Cases Closed: Helena-area court decisions published In this case, the defense said that even though they requested soil samples from around Crites remains to be sent to Arpas Vass, a forensic anthropologist who testified on June 15, in July 2022, Hoovestal said the samples were never received. The defense rested around 3:30 p.m., but outside the presence of a jury they moved Lewis and Clark County First Judicial District Court Judge Mike Menahan to dismiss counts one and two homicide and felony tampering with evidence on a lack of sufficient evidence that proves beyond a reasonable doubt Ford had a hand in the death of Crites. You must have some kind of proof that the property belongs to you. Get up-to-the-minute news sent straight to your device. Palmer Hoovestal is Leon Ford's lead defense attorney. Crime and Courts - KXLH News Helena homicide, aggravated assault and sex crimes) along with crime scene processing. Dispatch advised the officers two males, one of which was Davis, and a female fled from the vehicle through a field. $9,500 of the total amount will go to Crime Victim's Compensation with the rest to be paid to Leslie Walton for medical expenses and lost wages. Hoovestal noted that based on testimony, it hasnt been proved if the cable ties Ford checked out on paper were 3M or HellermannTyton cable ties the warehouse on Naval Air Station Whidbey Island stocked both. Helena-area court decisions reported Monday, Dec. 9, 2019, A Helena man convicted in the double homicide of a Helena Valley couple in 2018 was sentenced to life in prison Friday in Lewis and Clark Coun. Investigators said Hamm waited outside while Taylor and Wieneke went inside the home. Judge Mike McMahon presides over Gregg Trude's negligent homicide trial in September at the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. On Tuesday, Benjamin Willam Dean, 72, made his Lewis and Clark County judge declares mistrial in Crites case Crime & Courts | helenair.com - Helena Independent Record WebThe primary role of the County Attorney Liaison Detective is to assist prosecuting attorneys with investigation through the court process for Helena Police Department cases. Jun 21, 2023 4 Leon Ford is seen in Judge Mike Menehan's court on Wednesday in the Lewis and Clark County Courthouse. The defense also said that due to human error and another man named Leon on base working for Chugach, the name couldve been put into the system wrong as well.