Authorities investigating fatal shooting
CAROLINE LOBSINGER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
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. | July 23, 2026 1:00 AM
KOOTENAI — Bonner County sheriff's officials are investigating after a local man fatally shot someone who allegedly entered his home and attacked him.
Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler said deputies and Ponderay Police officers were called to West First Street in Kootenai after Shawn Webster, 21, reported shooting Jason Leroy Sparks, 50, who had allegedly entered his home and threatened him.
After firing a single shot, Webster fled the home and ran to a nearby gas station where he called 911 and reported the shooting, Wheeler said in a press release.
When deputies and Ponderay Police responded to the home, they found Sparks dead in a back bedroom from an apparent gunshot wound. He was later pronounced dead by Bonner County EMS.
Through the course of the investigation, Wheeler said witnesses told detectives that Jason Sparks had been repairing his ex-wife, Ashley Sparks', vehicle at the West First Street home where she and Webster lived.
The witnesses said they heard yelling at the residence throughout the day before, just before 7 p.m., Jason Sparks allegedly entered the home uninvited, acting in an aggressive manner.
Based on prior threats, and fearing for his safety, Wheeler said Webster retreated to his bedroom and armed himself with a pistol.
"Jason followed Shawn into the bedroom, grabbed him by the throat and started to lift him off the ground," Wheeler said.
In response, Webster fired a single shot into Sparks' neck, stopping the attack and ultimately killing him. After the shooting, Webster fled the residence and called 911.
Detectives and Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall have been interviewing the parties involved in the shooting.
"Idaho's castle doctrine permits the use of deadly force against an unlawful intruder in your home, workplace, or occupied vehicle," Wheeler said. "It removes the legal duty to retreat and establishes a presumption that you reasonably feared for your life when facing a forced, unlawful entry."
Webster has not been arrested for the shooting at this time.
The Bonner County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the shooting and, when completed, it will make a determination on potential criminal charges, Wheeler said.
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