A Kalispell man convicted of killing a Somers Middle School teacher in 2006 is returning to Montana State Prison for 10 years.
On Feb. 4 in Flathead County District Court, Jason DeShazer admitted to violating his parole in 2015, specifically by using meth, heroine and alcohol on multiple occasions.
DeShazer was arrested last September in Lake County and charged with criminal possession of drugs and criminal possession of drug paraphernalia. Last month he pleaded guilty to criminal possession of dangerous drugs in Lake County District Court and he is expected to receive a five-year suspended sentence later this month.
On Feb. 4 at a revocation hearing, DeShazer admitted to numerous parole violations, including drug use and failing to check in with his parole officer. During the hearing, he said he was “embarrassed and ashamed” by what he had done.
In his sentencing recommendation to Judge Heidi Ulbricht, County Attorney Ed Corrigan noted that many people had hoped that DeShazer had turned his life around. After being released in 2010, DeShazer visited local schools to talk about the dangers of drinking and driving.
“It goes without saying that we’re all disappointed in you,” Corrigan said. “We were pulling for you. We wanted you to be a success. What happened, Jason?”
On Oct. 26, 2006, DeShazer was drunk behind the wheel of a vehicle when he crossed the centerline on Montana Highway 82 and crashed head on into a vehicle driven by Dawn Bowker. Bowker died in the crash. DeShazer pleaded guilty to negligent homicide the following year and was sentenced to 20 years at Montana State Prison with 10 years suspended. DeShazer was released on parole after three and a half years.