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Montana Man Who Fatally Shot Neighbor Wants Probation to End

The motion argues a 2017 law that allows offenders to be released from probation if they have met all the terms

By Maggie Dresser

HELENA — A Montana man who was sentenced to 20 years of probation after pleading no contest to negligent homicide in the shooting death of a neighbor is requesting to be released from state supervision.

The Great Falls Tribune reports prosecutors oppose the Oct. 4 motion filed by 73-year-old Joseph Campbell, who killed Timothy Newman six years ago amid a feud over land access.

The motion argues a 2017 law allows offenders to be released from probation if they have met all the terms of their supervision for a length of time contingent on their risk of reoffending.

Prosecutors argue that law was not in place when Campbell was sentenced. Residents of the subdivision where the shooting occurred want assurances Campbell will meet his probation conditions, including staying away from the neighborhood.