Homicide suspect may argue self-defense

A Martin City man accused of shooting and killing another man in Hungry Horse last week made his initial court appearance Monday afternoon in the Flathead County Justice Center.

James William Quen, 47, was scheduled to appear Friday, but had to be taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center due to a heart-related issue. Monday, he appeared and was represented by Greg Rapkoch of the county public defender’s office. Charged with one felony count of deliberate homicide, Quen did not enter a plea Monday.

Judge Eric Hummel went over Quen’s rights before hearing arguments from Rapkoch and Flathead County senior prosecutor Travis Ahner about bond, which was set at $150,000.

Ahner stated that due to the magnitude of the case, the bond should remain at $150,000.

Rapkoch made the argument that Quen was a U.S. veteran, owned his home and believes there is the possibility of a self-defense case.

“It’s not often you see the defendant battered and bruised,” Rapkoch said. “The $150,000 bond seems oppressive, the most he could post is $50,000.”

Judge Hummel agreed with the prosecution and kept Quen’s bond at $150,000.

Quen is scheduled to appear for arraignment at 1:30 p.m., Thursday, May 17 before Flathead District Court Judge Dan Wilson.

According to the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Quen allegedly shot Bradley Allen Winters, 33, from Hungry Horse, during a late-night argument Wednesday, April 25. The altercation was reportedly over money.

According to the criminal complaint, when deputies arrived at the scene in Hungry Horse, Winters was on the ground with an apparent gunshot wound to the chest from a .38-caliber revolver.

According to the court document, the brother of the victim said Quen arrived at the residence and a dispute arose over clothes and money. He said he heard the sound of a gun cocking and then multiple shots were fired. The victim’s brother said Winters was hit and Quen then left the area.

Flathead County sheriff’s deputies located Quen at about 1 a.m. Thursday and spoke with him.

He allegedly admitted being in a dispute with the victim and his brother over money. According to the court documents, Quen admitted firing rounds from the revolver during the dispute.

He also admitted he pointed his revolver at a person and shot him, and understood that person to be Winters, the document stated.

For the offense of deliberate homicide, Quen is facing 10 to 100 years in state prison. Because a gun was used, he may also face an additional two to 10 years.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.