MISSOULA — A Montana man has pleaded not guilty in the December shooting and killing of another man in an apartment complex parking lot.
Christopher Lance Newrider, 33, submitted his plea Tuesday on one count of deliberate homicide after he was accused of being involved in the shooting death of Sundance Ron Leon Hernandez, also 33, on Dec. 8. Newrider was jailed instead of posting a $1 million bond.
Police said they began searching for Newrider the day of the shooting after witnesses said they saw him shoot Hernandez outside a Missoula apartment complex and leave toward a nearby river.
The manhunt caused a lockdown at Missoula College and the University of Montana warned its residents and students to avoid the area.
Missoula police arrested Newrider the next day. He had been wanted at the time of his arrest for absconding from probation and parole, the Missoulian reported.
Newrider has had previous felony convictions for burglary, aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping.
His next appearance in Missoula District Court is scheduled for Feb. 16.