Kinniburgh burglary suspect to get evaluation

The second of two men charged with the repeated burglary of the Dale and Catherine Kinniburgh home was in District Court on Monday as prosecutors sought to move the case along.

In Judge James B. Wheelis’ court Monday, Matthew E. Dorland stood before Wheelis, and it was decided the 20-year-old  would undergo an evaluation to determine his fitness to proceed with a trial.

Dorland was represented Monday by Kalispell attorney Sean Hinchey, a public defender.

Dorland yet has to enter a plea in the felony burglary case.

Last week, Dorland’s accused accomplice, Ryan J. McKee, 18, was in Wheelis’ court, and he entered a plea of not guilty to the charge of twice entering the Kinniburgh home at 1217 Main Ave. and allegedly removing personal property.

 According to the police investigation of the case, the two men were curious about the Kinniburgh home, where Dale fatally shot his wife Catherine and then turned the gun on himself on Jan. 3.

   On Jan. 8, two Kinniburgh children — Amanda Bullock and Melody Kinniburgh — were in Libby as they were settling their parents’ estate.

   The daughters were sorting through personal possessions when they returned to the home to find items they had sorted were missing.

   Both Dorland and McKee allegedly burglarized the home twice.

   Dorland has been charged with felony burglary. His bail is set at $50,000. McKee also is charged with burglary. His bail is set at $10,000.

   The men, who were arrested Jan. 17, are in the Lincoln County Jail.

   If convicted of felony burglary, the fine could be up to $50,000, and they could spend up to 10 years in prison.