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Trial Set for Wyoming Man Accused in Montana Double Killing

Mendoza is charged with double murder in the July 2015 deaths of Jason and Tana Shane

By Justin Franz

BILLINGS — A federal judge has set a Jan. 9 trial date for a Wyoming man accused in the slaying of a couple on Montana’s Crow Indian Reservation.

The Billings Gazette reports that U.S. District Judge Susan Watters set the trial date for 19-year-old Jesus Deniz Mendoza, of Worland, in an order filed on Thursday.

Mendoza is charged with double murder, attempted murder and other counts in the July 2015 deaths of Jason and Tana Shane near Pryor.

Authorities say the couple stopped to help Mendoza when he shot them, killing both and wounding their daughter.

Mendoza’s attorneys have said he will rely on an insanity defense if the case goes to trial.