Fatal shooting investigated as self-defense

A Whitefish man is dead after an apparent dispute with his girlfriend the evening of Feb. 2 that led to a fatal shooting at their Whitefish home on the 400 block of Colorado Avenue.

Ordean EngeBretson, 42, was found dead on the living room floor after being shot numerous times, a release from the Whitefish Police Department states. The suspect, Katherine Lanegan, 37, was taken into custody Saturday night, but was released Sunday evening.

Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial said the possibility of self-defense is being investigated.

“We told her to stay around [the area] at the request of the county attorney’s office,” Dial said.

EngeBretson’s body was transported to the state Crime Lab in Missoula on Monday, and the results of an autopsy will be an important part of a report that will be submitted to the Flathead County attorney, Dial said.

“Once the autopsy results are back, they will make the decision” on whether to charge Lanegan with any crime, Dial said.

Neighbors reported hearing screams Saturday night and then one apparent shot around 9:35 p.m. Shortly thereafter Lanegan knocked on the neighbor’s door and allegedly said that she had shot her boyfriend. The neighbors called 911 and Whitefish Police responded where they found EngeBretson, Dial said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene by a Flathead County Deputy Corner.

EngeBretson spent time in the Flathead County Detention Center in 2010 after his fourth DUI charge. He pleaded guilty to an amended plea of DUI No. 3, a misdemeanor, and was sentenced to one year in the county jail, with all but 30 days suspended.