An apparent domestic dispute between two Kalispell men who were in a relationship led to one allegedly stabbing the other to death early Sunday morning at a west-side residence.

Kalispell resident Ryan Lamb, 34, was arrested Sunday by Kalispell Police and charged with deliberate homicide in relation to the death of 31-year-old Ryan Edward Nixon.

Nixon was found dead with a stab wound in a residence at 306 Two Mile Drive early Sunday.

Lamb, who is currently lodged in the Flathead County Jail, made his initial court appearance late Tuesday evening in front of Judge Mark Sullivan.

Lamb openly sobbed as he entered the courtroom and continued to do so during the hearing.

Judge Sullivan set Lamb’s bail at $300,000. He is facing the possibility of a prison sentence of 10 to 100 years, life or death. Lamb said he could not afford an attorney and will be represented by the county public defender’s office.

Lamb’s next court appearance will be Aug. 30.

According to Kalispell Police Detective Jim Wardensky, Lamb called 911 at about 3 a.m. Sunday.

“He was there at the residence when we arrived and we took him to headquarters for questioning,” Wardensky said. “He was not immediately forthcoming with us.”

Wardensky said alcohol was probably a factor in the crime, and based upon his personal history, there had been previous incidents involving both men.

“We’ve investigated disturbances between both of them at least a couple of times,” Wardensky said. “Lamb told us they had been in a relationship for about 3 1/2 years.”

He said Nixon, who was originally from Lincoln County, had lived in Kalispell for the last six to eight months.

Reporter Scott Shindledecker may be reached at 758-4441 or sshindledecker@dailyinterlake.com.