fbpx

Trial Set for Texas Man Charged in Montana Triple Shooting

Man is accused of killing 37-year-old Joe Powers and wounding two other men

By Justin Franz

BUTTE — The trial for a Texas man charged in a triple shooting in Montana that left one man dead has been set for September.

The Montana Standard reports 48-year-old Tony Dwade Sawyer appeared in Butte district court Thursday. He previously pleaded not guilty to charges of deliberate homicide and attempted deliberate homicide.

Sawyer is accused of killing 37-year-old Joe Powers and wounding two other men in a Nov. 3 shooting near Butte. Police say he fled the scene with firearms and was arrested a day later in Idaho.

Sawyer’s attorney, Ed Sheehy, has filed a motion seeking to reduce his client’s $1 million bail. A response to the motion is expected Monday.

Sheehy has also requested to introduce evidence at trial, arguing that Sawyer’s use of deadly force was justifiable.