SANDPOINT — A Sandpoint man is being named in the death of his grandfather after court documents suggest he confessed to the crime shortly after it occurred.

Jeremiah Kiley, 29, was arrested Jan. 6 after law enforcement found his grandfather, Joseph Reyes, 69, deceased inside his residence in the Samuels area. Documents indicate that Kiley called the police a day after the incident, claiming self-defense.

Kiley is facing second-degree murder charges and a prison sentence of at least 10 years. He’s being held at the Bonner County Jail without bond.

The incident, according to Bonner County Sheriff’s Office officials, was isolated and at no time was the public in danger.

Kiley’s court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, Jan. 21, for a preliminary hearing, where the court will determine whether there is sufficient evidence to charge him with the felony. 

Court documents indicate that officials became aware of the incident by way of a 911 call from Kiley, where he disclosed that Reyes had been “acting crazy” despite taking his medications, which resulted in Kiley allegedly acting in self-defense and hitting Reyes in the head with a hatchet.

During Kiley’s call, an additional call was received notifying authorities of Kiley’s alleged actions.

Documents further contend that Kiley and Reyes had an altercation the evening of Jan. 5, where Kiley told law enforcement that Reyes had allegedly pointed a gun at him during a “schizophrenic episode.”

Kiley told officials that he feared he would reach for more guns that were supposedly hidden throughout their shared residence and attacked Reyes out of self-defense, ultimately using the hatchet to “stop his suffering.”

Officials noted in an affidavit that Kiley’s demeanor changed throughout the interview process, alternating between calm and aggressive.

The investigation is currently ongoing by the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office.