Hearing to be Nov. 30 for Flathead murderer

A third parole hearing for convicted killer Jerry Forsyth is fast approaching at the end of this month.

Forsyth shot and killed his wife, Karen (Kienas) Forsyth, in 1979 at their business, the Skyline Bowling Alley in Kalispell.

The murder was planned by Forsyth and his friend Douglas Richards and staged to look like a burglary. Forsyth was sentenced in June 1986 to 110 years in prison and has had bids for parole denied twice thus far: in 2002 and 2007.

The upcoming parole hearing, set for 8:30 a.m. Nov. 30 in Deer Lodge, was originally scheduled for Sept. 28 before being rescheduled.

Karen’s sister, Kalispell resident Sharon Snell, has been raising awareness and encouraging people to contact the Montana Board of Pardons and Parole to oppose Forsyth’s release.

“It’s horrible, it really is horrible,” Snell told the Inter Lake in September. “You just realize that as time goes on, you’re worried even more every time that they will let him out because not many people will write. And a lot of my family has passed away. I feel like I’m battling this on my own now, and I don’t want my family looking over their shoulders for the rest of their lives.”

Those interested in commenting on Forsyth’s possible release can contact the board by phone at (406) 846-1404, by email at jpribnow@mt.gov or by regular mail at State of Montana Board of Pardons and Parole, 1002 Hollenbeck Road, Deer Lodge, MT 59722.

Reporter Jesse Davis may be reached at 758-4441 or by email at jdavis@dailyinterlake.com.