Teen’s death being investigated by police
Boundary County authorities are investigating the suspicious death of a 16-year-old boy.
The body of James “Jimmy” Wylie was discovered Monday morning in a residence in Naples, Idaho. There were no signs the death was a suicide and no trauma to indicate the cause of death, said Rich Stephens, chief deputy for the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office.
An autopsy was performed and investigators are awaiting results of toxicology tests, Stephens said. He said there was evidence at the scene indicating drugs may have been a factor in the teen’s death.
Stephens said it appeared Wylie had died Sunday night or early Monday morning.
Authorities are trying to piece together a timeline for the days leading up to Wylie’s death. Anyone who had contact with Wylie from Dec. 7 through Monday is asked to call the Boundary County Sheriff’s Office at (208) 267-3151.
– Taryn Brodwater
Coeur d’Alene
Rape suspect’s trial delayed for holidays
The trial of serial rape suspect Paul E. Hawkins has been postponed until after the holidays.
Kootenai County Prosecutor Bill Douglas said Hawkins’ attorneys asked for more time to prepare for the trial, which was scheduled to begin next week.
“I think this is good,” Douglas said Wednesday. “We have 10 victims here. Ten victims who will not have to endure a two-week jury trial during the holidays.”
Hawkins, 34, has been charged with the 2003 home-invasion rapes or attempted rapes of six women in Post Falls, Coeur d’Alene, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake. He’s been charged with a total of 24 crimes including the rapes, attempted rapes, other sex crimes, burglary, battery and robbery.
He remains in the Kootenai County Jail on $10 million bail.
– Taryn Brodwater
POCATELLO, Idaho
‘Nutcracker’ causing strife for organizer
Christmas cheer has turned into hurt feelings in this southeastern Idaho town, where a competitive spat involving ballet companies has some calling for a boycott of this weekend’s performance of “The Nutcracker.”
The event has been put on by the Pocatello Rotary for the last 25 years, said Rick Phillips, the organization’s president. The group used to hire an Oregon professional ballet company, which incorporated local talent, but this year decided there was enough local talent to stage the show without outside help.
“We’re trying to do a good thing,” Phillips said. ” ‘The Nutcracker’ is an important tradition in our little community.”
The group hired the local Brindusa-Moore Ballet Academy, run by professional dancers Sergu Brindusa and Beth Moore, who are married. The academy in past years already had been putting on “Nutcracker” performances.
Phillips said that according to the contract, the academy was required to hold auditions open to the entire community, not just its own students. However, Phillips said, other ballet companies boycotted the auditions and now want community members to boycott the performances set for Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
– Associated Press