Trial delayed in Hungry Horse shooting case

The trial of a Martin City man accused of shooting and killing another man in Hungry Horse in April won’t occur next month due to a change in his legal representation.

James William Quen, 47, who is charged with one felony count of deliberate homicide, was scheduled to appear in court Monday, Nov. 5, for what was scheduled to be a eight-day trial.

According to court documents, the attorneys from the Montana Public Defender’s Office, who were representing Quen, developed a conflict in representing him and were excused from the case.

Brian C. Smith, an attorney from Missoula, was assigned to Quen’s case Oct. 4 and began communications with him Oct. 16. He requested the trial be rescheduled because he needed time to “get up to speed” and provide effective counsel to Quen.

Smith also said there are several pending motions that need to be decided by a judge before the case can go forward.

Flathead County Attorney Travis Ahner had no objection to the request.

The earliest the trial could begin is the Jan. 7, 2019, term.

Quen pleaded not guilty May 31 in Flathead County District Court. He is currently incarcerated in the county jail.

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

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 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. the next day and spoke with him.

He allegedly admitted to 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 that he pointed his revolver at a person and shot him, and understood that person to be Winters, court documents stated.

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

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