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Police Identify Man Found Dead in Kalispell Home

Law enforcement says they have questioned and released the man who said he shot 53-year-old man on Saturday

By Justin Franz

UPDATE: Oct. 21, 2:30 p.m.

The Kalispell Police Department questioned and released a man who said he shot and killed another man on Saturday.

On Monday afternoon, police released the identity of the man they found dead inside a Kalispell home on Oct. 19 but offered few other details about the events leading up to the apparent murder.

The victim in the shooting has been identified as 53-year-old John Araujo of Kalispell.

On Oct. 19, the Kalispell Police Department received a “vague” request for a welfare check at a home on the southwest side of town. Shortly after the request, a man came to the police station asking to speak with an officer. That man said he had shot and killed another man at a home on the south side. With that information, officers made entry into the home and discovered Araujo’s body.

According to a press release, the alleged shooter and victim knew each other.

The man who said he shot the other man was questioned and later released from police custody. As of Monday afternoon, no charges have been filed and police have said the investigation into the shooting continues. Capt. Tim Falkner said he could not comment on why the man who said he shot the victim was not detained.

“Many details cannot be released at this time due to the ongoing investigation,” Falkner wrote in a press release on Monday afternoon. “The Kalispell Police Department realizes the seriousness of such a crime and the concern it places on the citizens of Kalispell.”

Law enforcement officials say they do not believe there is a “direct threat” to public safety at this time.