Trial begins in Kalispell homicide case

A Kalispell man accused of his stabbing his partner to death last summer is scheduled to go to trial Monday in Flathead District Court.

Ryan Cody Lamb, 35, is facing one count of deliberate homicide in relation to the death of Ryan Nixon, 31.

Jury selection will begin Monday. If a jury is picked, opening statements and testimony could begin as soon as Tuesday. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks, with testimony occurring during the first weekend, June 8-9.

According to court records, there are dozens on the witness list.

Lamb’s attorneys, Alisha Backus and Emily Lamson, of the State Public Defender’s office in Kalispell, have filed several motions regarding evidence collection, alleged statements by Lamb to police, and the admissibility of certain evidence.

Lamb is accused of stabbing Nixon on Aug. 5, 2018, at a Two Mile Drive residence in Kalispell. According to court records, Lamb and Nixon were in a relationship and a dispute occurred during a sexual encounter.

Kalispell Police Department Detective Jim Wardensky said then that Lamb called 911 at 3 a.m. on Aug. 5.

“He was there at the residence when we arrived and we took him to headquarters for questioning,” Wardensky said. “He was not immediately forthcoming with us.”

Wardensky said alcohol was probably a factor in the crime, and based upon his personal history, there had been previous incidents involving both men.

“Lamb told us they had been in a relationship for about 3 1/2 years,” Wardensky said.

He also said Nixon, who was originally from Lincoln County, had lived in Kalispell for the last six to eight months prior to his death.