Wife pleads innocent to murder

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dbryce@journalnet.com

BLACKFOOT -- A 52-year-old Blackfoot woman pleaded not guilty on Monday to the first-degree murder of her husband, with a sentencing enhancement of extended use of a firearm.

Dorthy Porter was charged after officers responded to a 911 call in July that indicated a male suspect at the home on Wolverine Canyon Road had shot himself. She allegedly told the deputies that her husband, Greg Porter, 46, had shot himself, but she was charged in connection with the shooting when officers determined evidence at the scene did not support suicide.

During the Monday arraignment hearing, Porter's attorney, Scott Axline, told Seventh District Judge Darren Simpson that his client's ability to go to trial will be contingent on the prompt return of test results of evidence and obtaining transcripts from the preliminary hearing held last month.

Bingham County Prosecutor Scott Andrew said some lab work could be sent out of state.

Axline said evidence to be tested includes DNA and the firearm allegedly used in the shooting. He said a team of experts was appointed.

Three slugs from a Ruger .22-caliber weapon, believed to be connected to the case, have now been recovered.

One of the slugs was found lodged in Greg Porter's skull, one slug was found by family members and a third was recovered by a crime scene investigator for the defense.

Three spent .22-caliber cartridges were found during the initial search. Officers also found two bullet holes in the kitchen, but the slugs were not recovered during the search.

Simpson set a trial in the case for March 24, 2009.

Andrew said he expects the trial to conclude in about four days. He has said he will not seek the death penalty in the case.

However, Axline said the jury could be instructed to consider a lesser charge in the case.

Porter was remanded to the Bingham County Jail, where she's being held on $500,000 bond.

Axline said he may ask for a bond reduction in the future.

By Debbie Bryce

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