Murder suspect not fit for trial

A 75-year-old Libby man charged in the shooting death of his daughter has been deemed mentally unfit to proceed in court.

James Bonifas was arrested Jan. 6 after calling 911 to say that his daughter had died during the night. Suzanne Campbell, 41, was found dead at the home of a gunshot wound.

Bonifas will be transported to the Montana State Hospital in Warm Springs for evaluation as ordered by the court during Monday’s competency hearing. According to Bonifas’ attorney, Sean Hinchey, hospital staffers will treat Bonifas in an attempt to make him fit to proceed.

“I don’t think that is likely to happen,” Hinchey said.

Another hearing will be held within 90 days to determine how to proceed. If Bonifas still is unfit, criminal hearings against him may cease.

Hinchey said an alternative resolution such as a civil commitment to the hospital or another long-term care facility in the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services likely would be the next step in that case.

He said cases like Bonifas’ were very unusual.

“Frankly, it’s pretty rare for a client to be not fit to proceed criminally,” Hinchey said, “but I think it’s the right resolution in this case, although it’s a terrible situation all the way around.”