Shooting suspect taken into custody

SANDPOINT — A Clark Fork woman charged with voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of her boyfriend was taken into custody Thursday on an increased bail while awaiting sentencing.

The state moved to revoke or boost Lorraine Kathryn Kenitzki’s bail on allegations that she did not arrange for a presentence interview in a timely manner and left threatening messages on her estranged ex-husband’s cellphone.

Kenitzki denies the allegations, Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson told 1st District Judge Charles W. Hosack. However, Kenitzki agreed to be jailed on an increased bail while she waits to be sentenced.

Kenitzki, according to court documents, has expressed an eagerness to begin serving her sentence, the terms of which have not been disclosed.

Hosack increased Kenitzki’s bail from $10,000 to $200,000. A sentencing date is pending.

Kenitzki, 45, was originally charged with involuntary manslaughter in connection with the shooting death of Erik David Foust on Oct. 6, 2010. Foust, 41, died of a gunshot wound to the upper chest inflicted by a 9-millimeter pistol.

The shooting occurred in a recreational vehicle parked at the Green Owl Tavern north of Priest River.

But physical evidence did not support Kenitzki’s contention that the shooting was accidental, prompting Prosecutor Louis Marshall to amend the charge to manslaughter committed in the heat of passion.

Kenitzki entered an Alford plea earlier this year, meaning she admits no wrongdoing in the case but agrees she could be convicted at trial.