MORE FOLLOW-UP: MARIE HEAVYRUNNER

from the Great Falls Tribune, March14, 2012

by Kimball Bennion

A second person has been charged in relation to the murder of a 71-year-old women whose body was discovered on her property months after her death, according to documents filed in U.S. District Court in Great Falls.

Thomas Charles Marc Heavyrunner made an initial appearance in federal court Tuesday, where he was informed of a felony charge of accessory after the fact in the murder of Marie Heavy Runner, who was allegedly killed by Mark Saint Storm Heavy Runner on July 1. Her body wasn’t discovered until November.

A federal indictment that was unsealed this week charges Mark Heavyrunner with one count of second-degree murder. the same victim, identified as “M.H.R.,” is listed in both charges. Mark Heavyrunner pleaded not guilty to the charges last week.

The trial date for mark Heavyrunner was set for April 17. He is on a federal hold in the Cascade County detention center while awaiting trial.

Details of the case are sketchy, as portions of it still are sealed. The prosecution in the trial of Mark Heavyrunner has a deadline of April 3 to file a trial brief, which generally outlines in more detail the legal authority behind the charges in the case. The defense may also submit a trial brief, but it is not required. U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon will preside over the trial.

Thomas Heavyrunner is expected to make a plea to the accessory charge April 5.

Thomas Heavyrunner is released on special conditons and has been ordered to report to federal probation officers in Missoula County. He is not allowed to travel outside that area.

At Thomas Heavyrunner’s initial appearance Tuesday, U.S. Magistrate Keith Strong added additional conditons that Thomas Heavyrunner undergo a mental health evaluation and completely substance abuse treatment.