Body found in lake identified as homicide victim

Authorities have confirmed the identity of the body found Monday in Flathead Lake as Anthony Andrew Walthers, the victim of the Evergreen homicide that took place in April.

Walthers, 34, was last seen alive April 26 after he was allegedly pushed off the Old Steel Bridge into the Flathead River.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry, boaters discovered Walthers’ body floating about 1.5 miles offshore from the mouth of the Flathead River at around 6 p.m. Monday.

Two people have been charged in connection with Walthers’ death after witnesses allegedly saw them fleeing the bridge after Walthers went over. Cecil Thomas Rice, 26, pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide Thursday afternoon and is scheduled for trial Nov. 27. Heather Joy Meeker, 25, denied involvement pleading not guilty to tampering with evidence on May 25.