Accused burglar released

Ryan J. McKee, one of two young men accused of two felony burglaries of the Dale and Catherine Kinniburgh home, was released on his own recognizance last Wednesday after an omnibus hearing.

McKee, 18, had been jailed since his arrest in connection with the burglary of the Kinniburgh home just days after he and co-defendant Matthew E. Dorland allegedly burglarized the home at 1217 Main Ave.

McKee appeared before Judge James Wheelis for the hearing.

McKee, who had been represented by public defender Courtney Nolan in previous appearances, was represented by Noel K. Larrivee, a Dayton, Mont., attorney.

During the omnibus hearing, attorneys exchange a list of witnesses.

In permitting McKee’s release, the court made several stipulations of the young defendant.

He should not leave Lincoln County without his counsel’s approval; he must not have contact with his co-defendant or witnesses in the case, and he must conduct himself in a lawful manner.

McKee is just one of two men charged in the case. Also charged is Dorland, 20.

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 had been incarcerated since his arrest, and then-attorney Nolan requested a bond hearing so McKee a high school senior might return to class. McKee is expected to reside with his parents in Libby.

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