Whitefish Police seek man in VFW death

The Whitefish Police Department is working with California authorities to find a man allegedly involved in the death of a Flathead Valley resident.

According to a press release from the department, it is working to locate Xavier J. Chenault of Sacramento, California.

According to Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial, Steven Speer, 25, of Whitefish, died Sunday of head injuries he suffered during an altercation shortly after midnight Thursday in the parking lot of the VFW Bar and Grill on Baker Avenue.

Whitefish Police officers responded to the scene for a report of an unconscious man.

The department conducted an intensive investigation, including identifying and interviewing witnesses and obtaining available surveillance footage. The investigation indicated that Speer had allegedly been in an altercation with a man and that Speer had been knocked to the ground and struck his head.

Dial said the man had suffered severe head trauma and was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center where he later died.

The victim was transported to the Montana State Crime for an autopsy and results are pending.

Dial said the Flathead County Attorney’s Office has the case and is making a determination on whether charges will be filed.

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