POLSON — An argument over truck repairs apparently led a Ronan-area man to shoot his brother to death last weekend, Lake County prosecutors said.
Harry Lozeau, 53, appeared before District Judge Kim Christopher in Polson on Thursday to be arraigned on a charge of deliberate homicide in the shooting death of Terry Lozeau, 51. But the hearing was delayed until next Wednesday because Christopher had prosecuted Lozeau in the 1990s when she was the Lake County attorney, KERR-AM reported.
Lozeau was appointed a public defender, but the public defender’s office also has a conflict in representing him, so the office will have to contract another attorney.
Lozeau is expected to enter a plea next week after the case is assigned to a different judge.
Court records said Edward Stasso, a brother to the Lozeaus, told investigators that he, his girlfriend and Terry had gone to Harry’s house on Saturday to retrieve Terry’s pickup truck. Harry was supposed to be working on it, but Stasso said Terry didn’t think he was doing the work, according to court records. The Lozeaus also argued about things Terry bought for Harry with his recent Social Security payment, Stasso said.
The argument got physical, and Stasso said Harry grabbed a gun. Stasso said he was able to get the gun away from Harry, and it appeared the fight was over, according to court records.
Terry went out to try to start his pickup truck. Stasso said Harry grabbed a rifle, pointed it at Terry and pulled the trigger.
Stasso said he heard a click. He said it appeared Terry knew Harry had a gun pointed at him, but Terry continued to work on his truck.
Harry went into his house, grabbed another rifle, stepped out onto the porch and shot Terry in the head, Stasso told investigators.
Stasso and his girlfriend went for help, and Harry Lozeau fled, according to court records. Harry Lozeau was arrested at his house on Tuesday night.