Region in brief: Two meth dealers sent to prison
A Rathdrum man described as “the key figure” in a methamphetamine trafficking ring has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison.
Todd A. Russell, 37, was sentenced Tuesday in Coeur d’Alene by U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge. A jury last year found Russell guilty of conspiracy to distribute more than 15 pounds of meth.
Lodge also ordered Russell to pay a $4,000 fine and serve five years on supervised release following his prison term.
Two other Rathdrum men who pleaded guilty to their roles in the drug ring were also sentenced. Robert E. Nesbitt, 32, was ordered to serve 33 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. His brother, Samuel B. Nesbitt, 38, was given three years of probation.
– Taryn Hecker
Clarkston
Woman’s writings suggest murder-suicide
Elizabeth A. Duman left behind writings supporting the conclusion of investigators that she committed a murder-suicide last week in her family’s home.
According to the information released this week by Asotin County officials, one note left by the 31-year-old mother instructed the oldest child home at the time to call 911.
On Jan. 24, investigators say, Elizabeth Duman fired four shots from a .44-caliber revolver at the home overlooking the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley.
Investigators say that before shooting herself in the chest, Duman killed her 21-month-old son, Abraham Alexander Duman, and wounded two other children. Both were listed in satisfactory condition Thursday at Sacred Heart Medical Center.
– Lewiston Tribune
Winchester, Idaho
Woman in hospital after being pinned under ATV
A 72-year-old Idaho woman was still hospitalized Thursday after spending Sunday night during a snowstorm pinned under her four-wheeler.
Marilyn Rugg, who lives near Winchester, Idaho, was listed in serious condition at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane.
Rugg was using the ATV to plow her driveway Sunday afternoon. She fell off, and the ATV rolled over her, pinning her leg. Rugg was found by a neighbor who saw her arm poking out of the fresh snow Monday morning, Winchester City Clerk LeAnn Trautman said. Officials estimate she’d been there at least 12 hours.
Rugg was coherent and able to speak when she was rescued, but her leg was injured, Trautman said. She was also having kidney problems.
– Lewiston Tribune
Boise
Newborn in hospital after mom dies in crash
A baby delivered after his mother suffered fatal injuries in a head-on traffic collision Tuesday night remains in intensive care at St. Alphonsus Regional Medical Center.
Kaleikaumaka Kalani is the son of Jennifer and Kalani Storch. Jennifer, 30, died after the accident a quarter-mile from her home in a Boise suburb.
– Idaho Statesman