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KCSO: North Hamlet Trail death was not homicide

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 year AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | August 27, 2025 11:52 AM

The death of a man found with “traumatic injuries” at a home outside Hayden two weeks ago was not a homicide, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded the afternoon of Aug. 11 to the 15000 block of North Hamlet Trail off Triangle 7 Road for a reported unknown medical incident. 

“The reporting party called 911 and informed dispatch that he had found an injured male on his property and blood on the front porch of his residence,” a news release said. 

The man, later identified by police as 35-year-old Kootenai County resident Kenneth B. Caldero, “was found to have sustained traumatic injuries” and was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office. 

After an investigation, the sheriff’s office announced Wednesday that Caldero’s death was not a homicide and the cause was “not of a criminal nature.” 

“There is no ongoing threat to the community and the sheriff’s office is not looking for any outstanding suspect(s),” a news release said.

The sheriff’s office declined to confirm Caldero’s cause of death or provide any other details. 

“We will not be releasing any further information out of respect for the victim and his family, as it has been determined not to be a criminal case,” Lt. Mark Ellis told the Press via email.

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