Flathead man charged with deliberate homicide

A Flathead Valley man accused of deliberate homicide in connection with a fatal shooting on Thursday is being held at the Flathead County jail.

According to Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino, 36-year-old Leon Paul Kavis was arrested by officers after being called to a Trumble Creek residence Thursday afternoon.

Kavis is accused of shooting and killing another man with a gun. The name of the victim has not yet been released, pending notification of family members.

Court documents indicate Kavis in the past has pleaded guilty to criminal endangerment and criminal possession of dangerous drugs with the intent to distribute.

In January 2004, Kavis was arrested for trying to sell methamphetamine. He pleaded guilty to two felony counts of possession with intent to deliver and received a 15-year sentence with 10 suspended to the Montana State Prison in November 2005.

In March 2005, Kavis was charged with possession with intent to deliver and possession of a switchblade knife. In August 2005, he received a 10-year suspended sentence.

Then, in December 2009, Kavis was arrested for striking a woman’s car with a baseball bat and ramming it after a near collision in a parking lot. He received a five-year suspended sentence to the Montana State Prison and had to perform 100 hours of community service.

In January 2010, Kavis was resentenced to 10 years with five suspended on the 2005 drug charge following the parking lot incident.

In both drug cases, Kavis was ordered to not possess or consume drugs.

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