SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man named in the death of his grandfather has pleaded not guilty to the alleged charges.  

Jeremiah Kiley, 29, entered a not guilty plea during a Wednesday arraignment for the felony charge of second-degree murder that led to the death of his grandfather, Joseph Reyes, 69. 

As a result, Kiley is expected to appear in court June 16 for a pretrial conference and July 20 for a jury trial.  If he is found guilty, he could face at least 10 years in prison.  

Kiley currently remains at the Bonner County Jail on a $1 million bond.  

He was arrested Jan. 6 after law enforcement found Reyes deceased inside his Samuels area residence. Documents indicate that Kiley called the police a day after the incident, claiming self-defense. He claimed during that call 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. 

After further investigations, documents 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.” He told law enforcement that he feared Reyes would reach for more guns that were supposedly hidden throughout their shared residence and attacked Reyes out of self-defense. 

Reyes claimed the use of a hatchet was to “stop his suffering.” 

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

Bonner County Sheriff’s Office officials said the incident was isolated and at no time was the public in danger.