COEUR d’ALENE — A man who fatally shot his ex’s boyfriend will spend the rest of his life in prison.

Jason M. Rook, 48, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the Feb. 23 killing of 46-year-old Nathan Rogers. Rook also pleaded guilty to first-degree stalking, a felony. 

In exchange for Rook’s guilty pleas, prosecutors dismissed charges of burglary and destruction of evidence and dismissed a notice of intent to seek the death penalty. 

First District Judge Barry McHugh sentenced Rook on Monday to life in prison without the possibility of parole. 

Before handing down the sentence, McHugh said the details of the case were hard to believe. 

“It is the picture of domestic violence horror,” he said. 

Rook was in a relationship for several years with Erin Gardner. After the pair broke up in late 2023, prosecutors said Rook was unable to come to grips with Gardner’s new relationship with Rogers, which had quickly become serious. 

In journals, Rook called his ex a “once-in-a-lifetime love” and his “twin flame.” As time passed, prosecutors said, his obsession grew darker and his journal entries revealed feelings of anger. 

“This was a downward spiral that culminated in jealousy, rage, hatred and a true desire for revenge,” said prosecuting attorney Molly Nivison. 

For months, prosecutors said, Rook stalked his ex, watching the Post Falls home she shared with Rogers and studying the schedules of her family and her neighbors. 

In the early-morning hours of Feb. 23, while Gardner and Rogers were off on a weekend getaway, Rook entered their home through an unlocked door. He wore a mask and was armed with a gun and a knife. 

Security footage showed Rook wander throughout the home for hours, until the couple returned and he hid in an upstairs bedroom. 

Rather than go upstairs, Gardner left to pick up her daughter. 

“That decision saved my life, but it didn’t save the man I loved,” Gardner told the court Monday. 

When Rogers entered the upstairs bedroom, prosecutors said Rook ambushed him. 

The attack continued downstairs, where Rogers’ final moments were captured in security footage that his brother described as a testament to his courage and protective nature. 

“He knew he was a dead man,” Daniel Rogers said. “He was fighting for his family, who could walk in at any moment.” 

Rook fired 20 rounds at Rogers, prosecutors said, half of which hit his hands, arms and torso. Rook then shot Rogers in the back of the head, killing him, before fleeing the scene. 

For three days, Rook hid in a partially constructed garage near an apartment complex in Coeur d’Alene. He later surrendered to the police. 

Before receiving his sentence, Rook addressed the court. He called the murder his greatest regret and apologized to Rogers’ family, particularly his teen son. 

“Young man, your father did not deserve what I did to him and I am truly, truly sorry,” Rook said. 

He admitted to jealousy over Gardner’s new relationship. 

“I saw her living her best life, the one we were supposed to have,” he said. “It crushed my soul.” 

Though a life sentence was appropriate for Rook, McHugh said the punishment cannot heal the grief and sorrow of the families affected by Rogers’ murder. 

“There’s no adequate justice that a court can provide in a case like this,” he said. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse, reach Safe Passage 24/7 by calling 208-664-9303 or texting 208-449-7228.