In brief: Hunter’s 2004 death likely to stay unsolved
The shooting death of a hunter in the woods near Avery, Idaho, more than two years ago will likely remain unsolved unless someone confesses, Shoshone County Sheriff Chuck Reynalds said.
Steven Seppala, of Ponderay, died in October 2004 after being shot through the heart while on a hunting trip with four family members.
“What we have here is a person shot in a wilderness area. No witnesses, no evidence and no confession,” Reynalds said.
After a year of examination, a DNA lab in Boise was unable to determine whether a bullet fragment found in the area where Seppala died was from the bullet that killed him. The fragment had a blood spot on it but the lab couldn’t determine whether it was animal or human, or even the type of bullet, Reynalds said.
“It was a real downer,” he said. “For all practical purposes, the investigation is at a dead end.”
Reynalds believes the shooting was accidental and that whoever fired the shot discovered what happened and fled.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Post Falls
Police seeking robber who struck at truck stop
Post Falls police are looking for a man who robbed another man at gunpoint in the parking lot of a Post Falls truck stop.
Just before 7 p.m. Wednesday a man reported that he was walking in the Flying J parking lot when he was approached by a black male brandishing a handgun, according to police.
The victim said he handed over his wallet and the robber fled. He told police he found his wallet not far from the scene, but his cash was missing.
The suspect is described as about 6 feet 3 inches tall with a large build and deep voice. He wore a black jacket with gray hood and black baggy pants.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (208) 773-3517 or leave a tip online at www.postfallspolice.com.
– Taryn Brodwater
Coeur d’Alene
Discounts offered for spaying, neutering pets
Low-income Kootenai County pet owners are invited to stop by the Kootenai Humane Society’s thrift store in Coeur d’Alene on Saturday from noon to 1 p.m. to get low-cost vouchers to spay or neuter their dogs and cats.
Spaying or neutering pets typically costs more than $100, but thanks to a partnership of the Humane Society and local veterinarians, people can pay $10 to $25, depending on the animal.
The thrift store is at 916 N. Third St.
– Meghann M. Cuniff
Treasurer’s office will be open Saturday
The Kootenai County treasurer’s office will be open from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday to allow property owners to pay their tax bills.
Several thousand Kootenai County homeowners received their bills about a week later than scheduled because of a computer glitch. Most of the 80,000 tax bills were mailed Nov. 27, but one group was delayed. Property taxes must be paid by Dec. 20.
The treasurer’s office and marriage license office will be the only county offices open Saturday. Use the Government Way or Garden Street entries. The lower-level door by the parking lot will not be open.
– Staff reports