Following verdict, family looks for peace

SANDPOINT — Although the state prevailed in its case, it’s generally agreed that there were no winners when James Matthew Anderson was convicted of second-degree murder earlier this week.

“Everyone wants to say, ‘We won, we won.’ I feel that nobody wins, but now maybe my family can start to heal,” said Alice Holt, mother of Elvin “Eli” Holt.

A Bonner County jury ruled on Tuesday that Anderson was guilty of shooting Eli Holt to death on Nov. 27, 2008, with deliberate malice and without justification.

Eli Holt was 30 years old.

Alice Holt said on Thursday that she was pleased with the jury’s verdict and impressed with the way Prosecutor Louis Marshall handled the case, but also feels for Anderson’s wife and two children.

“They have a family,” she said.

Anderson, 29, faces a prison sentence of 10 years to life. A sentencing hearing 1st District Court is pending.

Marshall was also pleased with the case’s outcome and praised the efforts of sheriff’s Det. Sgt. Howard Burke, who devoted hundreds of hours of investigation over during the last 10 months.

But he too said there remains little cause for celebration.

“I am saddened by the loss of Eli Holt and the tragic pain caused not only to the victim’s family, but also to the family of James Anderson. While I am glad to see justice done, it is little solace to those affected by this murder,” said Marshall.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson, who vigorously defended Anderson, did not respond to a request for comment after the verdict.

It remained unclear Thursday if an appeal is planned.

Anderson’s wife, Leanne, has been outspoken throughout the proceedings and openly critical of media coverage, which she asserted was biased toward the state and the Holt family. She lashed out a reporter upon leaving the courthouse after the verdict was announced.

Alice Holt said her son will be remembered for his allegiance to friends and family.

“He was fiercely loyal and he loved children,” she said.