Hearing is set in PR slayings

SANDPOINT — A preliminary hearing is set for Wednesday for a Priest River man accused of stabbing his pregnant wife to death.

Jeremy Keith Swanson is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Jennifer Swanson was stabbed more than 30 times in the head, chest and back last December at their Priest River home. The couple’s unborn child, estimated to be 15-18 weeks old, was slain in the attack.

Wednesday’s hearing will determine if there’s sufficient evidence to justify trying Swanson. He remains held at the Bonner County Jail.

Swanson, 27, initially told sheriff’s investigators he spontaneously attacked his wife with a kitchen knife and an ice pick as she lay in bed, although there were detectives discovered Internet search histories which suggested he researched methods of killing, an indication that the blitz was premeditated.

Swanson called 911 to report his wife’s death and he surrendered without incident. The couple’s 20-month-old daughter was in an adjacent room when the killings took place.

Swanson said he and his wife argued about money and vehicles prior to the attack, according to court documents.

Swanson did not appear to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at the time of the killings. Swanson also insisted he was not under the influence.

To ensure Swanson constitutional right to a fair trial, county commissioners granted the Bonner County Public Defender’s Office up to $10,000 in public funds for investigative purposes and evaluations.

If Swanson is bound over to stand trial in 1st District Court, Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall has 60 days to notify the defense if it intends to seek the death penalty.