Jury Returns Guilty Verdict In Shooting Billy Sheahan Convicted Of First-Degree Murder

A Pinehurst man could face life in prison after a murder conviction.

On Monday, a jury found Billy Sheahan guilty of first-degree murder in the shooting of a Wallace bail bondsman.

Darrell Fernquist’s body was found in Sheahan’s home April 2. Shoshone County prosecutors said Fernquist was trying to revoke Sheahan’s bond when he was shot.

Prosecutors did not seek the death penalty.

First District Judge Charles Hosack set sentencing for Nov. 23.

The jury deliberated about eight hours Monday before returning with the guilty verdict, Prosecutor John Cossel said.

Defense attorneys claimed Sheahan was acting in self-defense after Fernquist broke into his home. Sheahan was cooking breakfast in his home during the break-in and was startled - perhaps even more so because of his hearing loss, defense attorney Jack Rose said during the trial.

Rose said Tuesday that he plans to appeal the conviction but declined to say on what grounds.

Fernquist’s body was found at the end of Sheahan’s hallway. Experts testified during the trial that Fernquist had been shot from the far end of the hallway near a bedroom.

Prosecutors said Sheahan concocted the self-defense claim because he didn’t want to go to jail.