Russell sentenced to life for murder

James D. Russell was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole for the brutal slaying of the caretaker of his family's property in Clark Fork. In her ruling, First District Judge Barbara Buchanan said the sentence was the only one possible to protect society — and James D. Russell himself — following the September 2021 murder of David M. Flaget, who worked as a caretaker of the Russell family's property in Clark Fork in September 2021.

Russell sentenced to life in prison

Russell was arrested on Sept. 10, 2021, in connection to the death of David Milton Flaget, 70, at the Russell family property on Lower Mosquito Creek Road. According to autopsy results, Flaget died due to blunt force trauma to his head.

Russell pleads guilty in murder case

A Bonner County man has pled guilty to second-degree murder in connection with the slaying of David Milton Flaget, 70, in September 2021. James David Russell, 40, entered the plea in exchange to the prosecution dropping a first-degree murder charge. Russell also was charged with cannibalism, but saw that charge dropped in June and the murder charge was dropped to second degree on Nov. 15.

Plea hearing set in murder case

A change of plea hearing has been set for next week in a first-degree murder case against A Bonner County man charged in the death of Clark Fork resident. James David Russell, 40, was also charged with cannibalism, but that charge was dropped this June after the court ruled there was not enough evidence to sustain the charge. Russell entered a not guilty plea for the murder one charge on June 21. Russell was arrested on Sept. 10, 2021, in connection to the death of David Milton Flaget, 70, at the Russell family property on Lower Mosquito Creek Road. According to autopsy results, Flaget died due to blunt force trauma to his head.

Russell bound over for first-degree murder

Judge rules against probable cause on cannibalism charge.

James David Russell, 40, will face a first-degree murder charge in First District Court following preliminary hearing on June 13.

Russell ordered held on $5M bond

James David Russell, 40, is being held on $5 million bond for first-degree murder and cannibalism charges from Sept. 10.

Cannibalism suspect deemed fit for trial

James David Russell, 40, was deemed mentally fit to face charges of first-degree murder and cannibalism on Monday in First District Magistrate Court.

Russell continues in state medical program

James David Russell, 40, will continue to work with medical professionals within the Idaho Medical Security Program.

Commitment continues for cannibalism suspect

James David Russell, 39, will spend 84 more days in the Idaho Security Medical Program after being found unfit to stand trial on Tuesday.

Man facing cannibalism charge to continue medical security program

James David Russell, 39, will continue to remain in the Idaho Medical Security Program after he was found incompetent to stand trial.

Murder suspect facing cannibalism charge

James David Russell, 39, is facing a cannibalism charge in addition to a first-degree murder charge for the Sept. 10 murder of David Flaget.

Murder suspect found unfit for trial

James David Russell, 39, will undergo involuntary treatment at the Idaho Security Medical Program for at least 90 days on an Oct. 5 court order.

Competency evaluation ordered for Clark Fork murder suspect

James David Russell is being held in the Bonner County Sheriff's Office on a charge of first degree murder from events transpiring on Friday.

Man arrested in Clark Fork resident's death

James “Jimmy” David Russell, 39, has been charged with first-degree murder.