Kalispell man charged in shooting
If convicted on attempted murder charge, Kenneth Kraus could get 100-year prison sentence
Kenneth Kraus, 39, of Kalispell was arraigned Tuesday on an attempted deliberate homicide charge, after the late-night shooting of a Columbia Falls man this week.
Justice David Ortley set bond at $100,000, and ordered Kraus to be held in the Flathead County Detention Center in lieu of bond. A hearing that outlines conditions of release will be held if he posts bond.
His next court appearance is scheduled for 9 a.m. Feb. 15.
Kraus requested a public defender. Typically, two are assigned from the County Attorney's Office on such felony cases.
If convicted, Kraus faces a maximum sentence of 100 years, with a minimum of 10 years. In certain circumstances, Ortley told him, prosecutors can seek the death penalty.
Kraus is listed as a registered violent offender for his Jan. 24, 2002, conviction in Flathead County on a charge of assault with a weapon. According to court documents, he hit another person with a hammer in October 2001. He was sentenced to four years in the Montana State Prison, with all four years suspended.
He completed his probation Jan. 22, 2006.
Kraus' home, 242 10th Ave. W., was the scene at which Steve Gengler, 44, was shot in the back as he sat in his van outside the house early Monday. Gengler's age initially was given as 45.
A 2:22 a.m. call to 911 sent Kalispell SWAT team members to the house, backed up by Flathead County SWAT team members. During the next three hours, police talked with Kraus until 5:35 a.m., when he surrendered for questioning.
By Monday evening, officers had searched the vehicle and the house and arrested Kraus on suspicion of attempted deliberate homicide.
Kalispell police detective Lt. Jim Brenden opted not to give specifics of the searches, other than to say that Monday afternoon's search of the house was "productive." Brenden was in charge of the investigating team.
Police reported that Kraus and his wife were at the Finish Line bar with Gengler and another woman Sunday night, where the two men argued after Super Bowl game.
The shooting occurred after Gengler drove Kraus' wife home, police said, but she apparently was not a reason for the incident.
After the shooting, Gengler drove himself to Kalispell Regional Medical Center for treatment. He had been discharged from the hospital by Tuesday afternoon.