Whitefish man pleads not guilty to killing father

The Whitefish man accused of killing his father in a July 9 dispute pleaded not guilty Thursday afternoon in Flathead County District Court in front of Judge Dan Wilson.

Tanner Lehnen Hosek, 26, remains in the Flathead County Jail on $300,000 bail. He is facing one felony count of deliberate homicide for the death of Eric Hosek, 65.

Wilson explained that his possible penalties include death, life in prison or a term of 10 to 100 years. Because it is alleged that a dangerous weapon was used, a knife, Hosek could also receive an additional two to 10 years.

Hosek appeared with his attorneys, Ryan Peabody and Ryan Hennen. He answered clearly when Wilson asked him if he understood his rights and the charge against him.

Peabody also asked that Hosek be allowed to speak to his mother, who was in the courtroom Thursday. Deputy County Attorney Travis Ahner agreed to the request and Wilson granted it. Hosek, however, is prohibited from speaking about the case with his mother.

His next court date, for an omnibus hearing, is set for Sept. 19. A pre-trial hearing was scheduled for Oct. 31 and a jury trial would be held Nov. 26.

According to court documents, Hosek allegedly admitted to law enforcement officers that he stabbed and killed his father at their residence outside Whitefish on Wilderness Lane.

Court documents indicate Hosek was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, and his parents were appointed his co-guardians in August 2015 to help care for him.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker can be reached at (406) 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.