Defense seeks to limit evidence

SANDPOINT — The defense is moving to exclude evidence as a trial nears for a Bonner County man accused of opening fire on his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend in the Pack River Valley last year.

Chief Public Defender Isabella Robertson filed a motion Thursday to exclude journal entries, emails and other writings from Richard Allen Larson’s ex-girlfriend. Robertson also seeks to exclude any correspondence Larson sent the woman.

Robertson argues the writings should not be admitted at trial because the value of the evidence is substantially outweighed by the potential for unfair prejudice and confusion among jurors.

A hearing on the motion is set for Monday in 1st District Court.

Larson, 60, is charged with two counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His five-day jury trial is set for March 12.

Larson allegedly confronted Lora Adams on a road leading to her home. Adams told deputies she was battered by Larson and threatened with a pistol. When she did not arrive home, her boyfriend, John Chester Bilsky, went to investigate.

Bilsky told investigators that Larson opened fire on him and emptied a .44-caliber revolver. Bilsky was not hit and returned fire.

Larson was hit twice and survived the shooting. Bilsky was arrested, but he was released after investigators concluded that Larson initiated the gunfight.

Larson is free on bond while the case is pending.