A man arrested Monday afternoon in Kalispell after allegedly stabbing his mother to death in Washington may soon be heading home to face a murder charge.

The extradition process is set to begin for 24-year-old Matthew Swancara, according to Kalispell Police Detective Scott Warnell.

Warnell said law enforcement officials from Washington were in town to begin interviewing Swancara within 24 hours of his arrest.

“We did some evidence collection for them and they responded over here to do the interview,” Warnell said Wednesday. “They were going back and going to be requesting extradition, hopefully getting that process started today or tomorrow.”

He explained that Swancara was mainly arrested on a $500,000 homicide warrant out of Pond Oreille County, Wash., but also on minimal local charges of issuing a bad check and criminal contempt.

Swancara’s mother, Sally Swancara, 56, was found dead Sunday night from apparent stab wounds at her home in Elk, Wash., a small town 30 miles north of Spokane.

Warnell elaborated on how Swancara made the 219-mile trip from Elk to Kalispell.  

“He stole his dad’s car — reportedly — and drove it here, and it broke down or ran out of gas out west of town,” Warnell said. “He then got a ride from a passer-by and was dropped off in town. Then the individual who gave him a ride called 911 and reported him.”

Warnell said the motorist was suspicious because Swancara was covered in blood and wearing only boot insoles for shoes. Warnell would not comment on Swancara’s mental state at the time he was arrested, merely stating he was cooperative.

Law enforcement in Washington already had contacted local agencies to warn them that the fugitive might have been headed to Montana.

“When the officers made contact with him, they realized he matched the description,” Warnell said. “Once we got to the station we were able to confirm his identification.”

He said Swancara provided his actual last name but initially used a false first name.

Once Swancara has been extradited, Warnell said Kalispell police likely will be finished with their part in the case.

“Unless it goes to trial, then we may have to go over there and testify,” Warnell said.

Swancara must have an initial appearance in Flathead County before he can be extradited.