Small Town News

Three arrested in Inchelium killing, beating

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Two men and a woman have been arrested in a homicide case that occurred Sept. 5, in Inchelium.

Kevin Isaac Pakootas, 23, is being charged by federal officials for allegedly killing his wife, Colette, 23. He was arrested by Tribal police and currently is being held by federal authorities in Spokane.

He is also facing charges of attempted homicide in the case of a Florida man, Mark Edgett, who was found at the same location, and is in Sacred Heart Medical Center in serious condition. Pakootas is also being charged with obstruction of iustice.

Court records show that Pakootas allegedly struck his wife with his fists and other objects and that she sustained critical injuries. In the case of Edgett, charges say that Pakootas allegedly struck him with his fists and a chainsaw bar.

Both victims were taken to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where they were listed in critical condition. Colette Pakootas died Sept. 11, with her funeral services scheduled in Omak today (Wednesday, Sept. 16).

Pakootas was assigned two public defenders, Christina L. Hunt, and Amy H. Rubin.

Katherine Jill Bolton will represent the U.S. Attorney's office for the plaintiff.

In other court action, a request by Pakootas for release was denied by magistrate Judge James P. Hut-ton.

Two others are also being held: Eli M. Pakootas, 30, a woman, for aiding or abetting, and obstruction of justice; and James L. Phillips, 27, for obstructing justice.

Tribal Detective Don Redfield was the lead investigating officer until the case was turned over to the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Eli M. Pakootas, and Phillips, are being held by tribal officials in the Nespelem Detention Center.

The incident happened at 3211 Moccasin Run, near the external boundaries of the Colville Indian Reservation in Inchelium.

Law enforcement officials state that Kevin Pakootas had been at a party and returned home early in the morning and found his wife with Edgett and went into a rage. At one point, it is alleged, Pakootas had a gun and intended to shoot both victims but thought better of it.



Copyright 2009 The Star, Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from SmallTownPapers, Inc.

© 2009 The Star Grand Coulee, Washington. All Rights Reserved. This content, including derivations, may not be stored or distributed in any manner, disseminated, published, broadcast, rewritten or reproduced without express, written consent from DAS.

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