Burglary suspect is arraigned

Ryan McKee, 18, enters not-guilty plea.

Ryan J. McKee, one of two young men accused of two felony burglaries of the Dale and Catherine Kinniburgh home, pleaded not guilty Monday in Judge James B. Wheelis' 19th Judicial District courtroom.

McKee, 18, appearing handcuffed and in orange prison garb, was pensive during dialogue with Wheelis, who step-by-step made sure McKee understood the three charges of burglary against him.

McKee paused momentarily before answering Wheelis' inquiry as Public Defender Courtney Nolan elaborated on the three charges against him in connection with the Jan. 3 burglary of the Kinniburgh home at 1217 Main Ave.

"Yes, sir. I understand," McKee answered in a soft voice.

Wheelis explained McKee's rights, and that if he took the stand in his defense he would face cross-examination, which Wheelis explained when McKee hesitated its meaning.

McKee is just one of two men charged in the case. Also charged is Matthew E. Dorland, 20, who is to be arraigned Monday.

The two men, who admitted to being curious of the Kinniburgh home in which Dale Kinniburgh, 51, shot and killed his wife, Catherine, 55, and then turned the gun on himself. The home was the scene of an eight-hour standoff with police. The two men are accused of removing property being assessed by daughters of the Kinniburghs.

Among the items reportedly taken from the residence were three compound bows, a Nintendo Wii game, camping gear, a 35mm camera, firewood, Nikon binoculars and various minted coins.

It was one of the compound bows that allegedly surfaced among the men's friends that was recognized by a Kinniburgh family member, leading police to investigate the source of the bow, which led back to the pair.

McKee has been incarcerated since his arrest, and Nolan requested a bond hearing so McKee a high school senior might return to class.

Nolan explained McKee's parents live in Libby, and "he is not a flight risk," Nolan said.

"A (high school) senior, we'd like to see him get back to class before he misses any more school," Nolan said. "We fear if he misses any more, he may not graduate."

Lincoln County Attorney Bernard Cassidy said he is not opposed to a bond hearing, but it was requested that McKee's parole officer be involved in the hearing. The parole officer was not available at the time.

If convicted, McKee could face up to 50 years in prison and a maximum fine of up to $150,000.

An omnibus hearing is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. March 5 in Wheelis' courtroom.