Whitefish woman gets suspended sentence for killing husband

A Whitefish woman who stabbed her husband to death received a 10-year suspended sentence Wednesday from Flathead District Judge Ted Lympus.

AnnMari Newton, 39, earlier had pleaded guilty to negligent homicide for stabbing her husband, Chad, in the heart on Nov. 25, 2013, during an argument at their home.

She called 911 immediately after the altercation and told officers she had stabbed her husband.

Chad Newton was hospitalized and put on life support. He died in late December after life support was withdrawn when it was determined his condition would not improve.

A witness said both Chad and AnnMari Newton had knives in their hands when the fight started.

Two counselors testified at the sentencing hearing that AnnMari, a Swedish citizen, was a battered spouse and the stabbing was likely in self-defense, according to Sean Hinchey, her attorney.

“The counselor testified that the signs that she exhibited were consistent with being a battered spouse,” Hinchey said. Three friends of the couple also testified, including the woman who broke the news to an incarcerated AnnMari that her husband’s condition would likely not improve.

“She said that AnnMari was just devastated and it reaffirmed her belief that it was not intentional,” Hinchey said.

Perhaps the most compelling testimony came from the Newtons’ next-door neighbor, Bonnie Closson.

Closson recalled a specific instance where the Newtons’ two children had come running into her home, saying that their father was going to kill their mother. AnnMari arrived shortly after with bruises on her arm and side and told Closson that her husband had grabbed her by her hair and swung her into the refrigerator.

Closson also testified at a bond hearing in December 2013, saying that Chad Newton had been in a downward spiral of alcohol and anger issues that led to threats of suicide as well as threats to murder AnnMari. Closson said police had been at the Newtons’ home multiple times.

“I’m pleased that the judge gave it the thought that he did to render the appropriate sentence, because this was obviously not a typical case,” Hinchey said. “It was one of the most difficult ones I’ve ever done, and I appreciate that the judge took all of those factors into account in making his determination.”

AnnMari Newton was removed from GPS monitoring and ordered to pay a $500 fine.

Reporter Brittany Brevik may be reached at 758-4459 or by email at bbrevik@dailyinterlake.com.