Columbia Falls man charged in teen's death
HEIDI DESCH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 16 years, 4 months AGO
DEPUTY EDITOR, FEATURES Heidi Desch is the Deputy Editor at the Daily Inter Lake, overseeing coverage of arts, culture, lifestyle, community, and business. Desch leads reporters in developing stories that highlight the people, traditions, and events shaping Northwest Montana, guiding content across print and digital platforms. With more than 20 years of journalism experience, including serving as managing editor of the Whitefish Pilot, Desch is a graduate of the University of Montana School of Journalism. She has received multiple Montana Newspaper Association awards, including part of the team leading the Daily Inter Lake to Best Daily Newspaper in Montana Award and the General Excellence Award in 2024 and 2025. IMPACT: Heidi’s work connects readers with stories that deepen the understanding of the community beyond daily news. | February 18, 2010 10:00 PM
A Columbia Falls man has been charged with vehicular homicide while under the influence of alcohol and criminal endangerment after he allegedly caused an accident that killed a Eureka teen.
Tyrone Stallcup, 27, has been charged in Flathead County District Court with both felony charges after a two-vehicle accident that happened just before 1 a.m. on Feb. 12 near Conn Road.
Lakeisha Thibault, 19, of Eureka died at the scene.
According to court documents, Thibault had been driving southbound in a passenger car when Stallcup, who was driving a pickup, allegedly attempted to pass her and lost control. The pickup veered into the passenger car causing both to roll into the ditch.
Montana Highway Patrol officers responded to the scene and found Thibault's car perpendicular to the road in a ditch facing east. The pickup truck had come to a stop on its wheels facing north.
Both drivers were not wearing seat belts and were ejected from the vehicles. Thibault was found pinned under her vehicle.
According to witnesses at the scene, Stallcup had been drinking at a local bar beginning at 7:30 p.m. until just before the accident. Officers later spoke with Stallcup, who was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center. Stallcup smelled of alcohol, had slurred speech and admitted he had been drinking, court documents state.
If convicted of both charges, Stallcup faces up to 40 years in prison and a $100,000 fine.
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