In brief: Idaho insanity law valid, judge says

A judge has rejected a challenge to Idaho’s law prohibiting an insanity defense in a Kootenai County double-murder case.

First District Judge Benjamin Simpson ruled that Idaho’s repeal of the insanity defense does not violate any rights in the state or federal constitutions. The challenge came from Eldon Samuel III, a 15-year-old boy in Coeur d’Alene who is charged with two counts of murder in the deaths of his father and younger brother in March.

In another ruling in the Samuel case, Simpson said he would not allow the prosecutor to introduce evidence of prior violence between Samuel and his brother. The evidence poses too great a danger of unfair prejudice, the judge determined.

Suspect sought in Addy robbery

Stevens County authorities are looking for a 31-year-old man they believe was involved in a convenience store robbery this weekend.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Michael Ray Snyder, one of two men suspected in the robbery of the Old Schoolhouse Trading Post in Addy about 10 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office. James S. Lambert, 41, already has been arrested in connection with the robbery.

Witnesses said two men walked into the store wearing masks and brandishing a gun. The men left with an undisclosed amount of cash in a car later found abandoned in a wooded area near the store.

Authorities believe Snyder, who is wanted on warrants from Snohomish and Island counties, may be armed and should be considered dangerous. Anyone with information about his whereabouts is asked to dial 911 or the Stevens County Sheriff’s Office at (509) 684-2555.