Man held in Butte on $1M bond, accused of murdering common-law wife in Wash. Play Video
Posted: Feb 9, 2010 1:17 PM
Updated: Feb 10, 2010 5:31 PM
A Montana man is being held on $1 million bond in Butte, accused of fatally shooting of his common-law wife last July on Interstate 82 in Washington.
Stephen Harwood, 34, of Thompson Falls appeared Tuesday afternoon before District Court Judge Brad Newman who officially charged him with first degree murder.
Harwood was arrested without incident Monday at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center on Continental Drive where he was a patient, Butte Police Captain George Skuletich said.
New DNA evidence from a handgun that was found led to his arrest, authorities said.
Harwood's common law wife, Sheryl Huntley, was shot in the head and died at a hospital in July 2009. Harwood injured his hand. At the time, he told authorities the two were shot and robbed by a hitchhiker who ran off.
During the hearing Harwood waived his right to demand an extradition warrant from Washington state's governor, agreeing to be willingly extradited for trial.
It is believed that authorities will take him back to Washington perhaps as soon as Wednesday.
A Montana man has been arrested in Butte for the fatal shooting of his common-law wife on Interstate 82 last July in Washington.
Stephen Harwood, 34, was arrested Monday at the Montana Chemical Dependency Center on Continental Drive where he was a patient, Butte Police Captain George Skuletich.
Harwood lists Thompson Falls, Montana as his hometown, Skuletich said. Harwood was arrested without incident.
New DNA evidence led to the arrest. Sheryl Huntley was shot in the head and died at a hospital. Harwood had a wounded hand. At the time, Harwood said they were shot and robbed by a hitchhiker who ran off.
Harwood is expected to appear in district court before Judge Brad Newman at 4 p.m. for an extradition hearing, Butte-Silver Bow County Attorney's Office said.
