Thomas acquitted in Kingsley shooting

Stephen Thomas was justified for shooting Larry Kingsley to death last July, a jury decided Wednesday after less than two hours of deliberation.

Thomas was also acquitted of a felony theft charge that stemmed from him and his girlfriend Heather Henson taking the victim's pickup to Kalispell after they killed the man. Thomas was, however, found guilty

of tampering with evidence, a felony, for placing a pistol in Kingsley's limp hand.

Thomas is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 3.

For the full story, see Friday's edition of The Western News or check back online on Thursday.