Billings man gets 40 years in prison for shooting death

BILLINGS (AP) — A Billings man has been sentenced to 40 years in prison for shooting another man to death, apparently during an argument about a stolen gun and pit bull puppy.

District Judge G. Todd Baugh sentenced 36-year-old Mahpevana-Hane Lorne Bearcomesout for the October 2013 shooting death of 32-year-old Misael Santiago.

Bearcomesout confronted Santiago about the puppy and prosecutors say it appears Santiago was going to the garage to get the puppy when Bearcomesout shot him three times with a .45-caliber handgun.

Police Detective Brian Krivitz testified that Santiago was paralyzed and bled to death in the driveway.

Bearcomesout told the judge he has struggled with alcoholism and a mental disorder, but he takes responsibility for his actions.

Baugh said Bearcomes-out could be eligible for parole when he turns 50.