Montana News

Woman accused in fatal Whitefish shooting released from jail

Posted: Feb 4, 2013 8:38 PM by MTN News

KALISPELL - The Whitefish woman who is accused of shooting fatally shooting her boyfriend over the weekend has been released from jail.

Whitefish Police say that Katherine Lanegan appeared to be in some type of argument with her boyfriend, and was attempting to defend herself.

Whitefish Police reports state that neighbors reported hearing screams around 9:35 p.m. Saturday on Colorado Avenue, and shortly after neighbors say Lanegan appeared at their front door, saying she had shot and killed 42-year-old Ordean Engebretson.

"After talking to the [Flathead] County Attorney [Ed Corrigan] yesterday, and completing a big portion of our initial investigation on the shooting, the county attorney and I and my staff, agreed that it would be an option to release her on her own recognizance. With the request or order of her to stay in the area, and she's a Whitefish resident and we don't think she's a flight risk, Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial explained.

He added they anticipate a decision on whether or not to charge Lanegan will be made within the next three weeks, once autopsy results come in.