Murder suspect hires an attorney

The Daily Inter Lake

Lawrence Roedel, charged with murdering his common-law wife, has hired Whitefish attorney Jack Quatman to represent him.

Until Thursday, Roedel had appeared at court hearings without a lawyer. A week ago, he told District Judge Ted Lympus he had been unable to find an attorney to take his case or sell property for the money he needs to hire a defense lawyer.

Lympus told Roedel he had to come up with an attorney, because prosecutors are entitled to a speedy trial as much as defendants are.

Dawn Thompson was shot to death Aug. 27 at the couple's Ferndale home. Their marriage is considered common law because they reportedly are cousins, and their marriage is not legally recognized in Montana.

Roedel called 911, saying he thought he might have shot the woman. He has been held in the county jail since then.

His trial is scheduled for the Jan. 3 trial term.

He will be prosecuted by Flathead County Attorney Ed Corrigan.

Roedel, 66, jailed on a $1 million bond, appeared in jail clothing and had a slight head tremor at the hearing.

He was arrested after calling 911 on Aug. 27, saying he had shot and possibly killed Thompson, 36.