Wednesday, March 19, 2025
27.0°F

Plea entered in attempted murder case

CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 3 years, 10 months AGO
by CAROLINE LOBSINGER
I grew up in the Tri-Cities, Wash., and have always loved to write. I attended the University of Washington, where I earned a double major in journalism and political science, with an area of emphasis in history. I am the fifth out of six kids — don't believe any of the stories that my siblings tell. To be able to tell others stories and take photos for a living is a dream come true — and I considered myself blessed to be a community journalist. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, hiking and spending time outdoors, genealogy, reading, and watching the UW Huskies and the Seattle Seahawks. I am a servant to my cat, Frankie, who yes, will eat anything and everything in sight … even wedding cookies. | May 15, 2021 1:00 AM

▶️ Listen to this article now.

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man charged with attempted murder after stabbing a woman at a Sandpoint apartment complex pled guilty Thursday to the charge under the terms of a plea deal.

In exchange for an Alford plea of guilty to the attempted murder charge, burglary charges against Joshua Carl Skandunas, 49, were dismissed.

Under an Alford plea, a defendant admits no wrongdoing but concedes a guilty verdict could result following a trial. The plea is treated no differently than a standard plea of guilt at sentencing.

Under the terms of the deal reached through mediation, prosecutors agreement not to seek more than 11 years fixed with another four years indeterminate in the case. Skandunas also is free to argue for a lesser sentence.

However, according to court documents, the judge could not be bound by the agreement or the sentencing recommendation.

Skandunas is accused of turning up at the woman's Sandpoint apartment and asking to be let inside to pick up a package on Aug. 29, 2020. He pulled a butcher knife from behind his back and the woman suffered a defensive wound to her left hand attempting to grab the weapon, according to an affidavit filed in the case.

Witnesses told Sandpoint Police they saw the alleged victim being chased by Skandunas, who was armed with a butcher knife. Officers located a woman, who had taken refuge in another apartment, with two stab wounds to her upper torso, according to a court documents.

Skandunas allegedly forced his way into the apartment where the woman was hiding, but he was reportedly driven off by the dwelling's resident, court documents indicate.

At the time of his arrest, Skandunas said he may have stabbed the woman, but told police he didn't remember any details about the confrontation.

Before the plea deal was reached, Skandunas had pled not guilty in later January, paving the way for a jury trial in June.

Sentencing in the case is set for Aug. 3

MORE FRONT-PAGE-SLIDER STORIES

Skandunas sentenced in attempted murder
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 3 years, 7 months ago
Not guilty plea in attempted murder case
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 4 years, 1 month ago
Attempted murder suspect found competent
Bonner County Daily Bee | Updated 4 years, 2 months ago

ARTICLES BY CAROLINE LOBSINGER

Dover to celebrate new post office
March 18, 2025 1 a.m.

Dover to celebrate new post office

Dover will welcome the city's post office back home with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday. The celebration will be held from 12-1:30 p.m. at the post office, 306 Roosevelt Ave., Dover.

Man allegedly stabs self, forces Ponderay Walmart closure
March 16, 2025 2:41 p.m.

Man allegedly stabs self, forces Ponderay Walmart closure

An unknown male surrendered peacefully after he allegedly walked into the Ponderay Walmart early Sunday afternoon with a knife and made unspecified threats.

Man allegedly stabs self, forces Walmart closure
March 16, 2025 2:41 p.m.

Man allegedly stabs self, forces Walmart closure

An unknown male surrendered peacefully after he allegedly walked into the Ponderay Walmart early Sunday afternoon with a knife and made unspecified threats.