Murder suspect pleads not guilty

SANDPOINT — A Cocolalla man accused of killing a romantic rival pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder on Monday.

Austin Blake Thrasher’s 10-day trial is set to start on July 23 in 1st District Court. He remains jailed with bail set at $500,000.

If convicted as charged, Thrasher could receive a lifelong prison sentence.

Thrasher, 19, is charged with shooting Michael Wyatt Smith to death near Thrasher’s home last September.

Thrasher’s wife, Jennifer, and Christopher Robin Garlin, are charged with accessory to murder for withholding knowledge of Smith’s slaying. They remain jailed with bail set at $50,000. They are also slated to be tried separately in July.

Austin Thrasher allegedly shot Smith to death with a pistol because Smith began was dating a 16-year-old he had also dated, according to court documents.