April 1, 2004
After two hours of testimony, Judge Justin Julian found probable cause to order that Verden Bettilyon, 59, Bonners Ferry, bound over for arraignment for two counts of aggravated battery and one count of felony domestic battery.
If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years on each count of aggravated battery and up to 10 years on the domestic battery charge; in addition, he faces fines of up to $10,000 on each charge.
Prosecutor Jack Douglas called two witnesses to testify at the preliminary hearing today, victims Bobbie Magee and William Trammel. Both testified that a day of drinking at the Bettilyon home on Highway 2 near the Montana state line culminated at about 8 p.m. when the defendant opened fire with a .357 magnum handgun. Both Magee, Bettilyon’s girlfriend, and Trammel, Magee’s former husband, were shot; Magee in the stomach and Trammel in the right arm and chest. None of those wounds were life threatening.
Arraignment has been set for May 4 before Judge Steven Verby at the Boundary County Courthouse. Bettilyon remains free on $250,000 bond.