A 19-year-old Polson man, accused of shooting and killing 31-year-old Sheldon Fisher on Christmas Day in 2024, pleaded guilty May 20 to an amended charge of mitigated deliberate homicide.

Elijah Cajune, who was 17 at the time of the slaying, was initially charged in the 20th Judicial District with deliberate homicide. He pleaded guilty as part of a deal that calls for a joint recommendation of 40 years in the Montana State Prison with none of that time suspended.

There’s an additional 10 years, all suspended, for use of a dangerous weapon and a joint recommendation for no parole restriction, meaning Cajune could be eligible for parole after serving 10 years in prison. The judge is not bound by the agreement.

According to court records and reports from the Polson Police Department, at about 3:30 a.m., Dec. 25, 2024, law enforcement agencies responded to reports of shots fired at 1002 Fourth St. W. and 408 11th Ave. W. Polson Police officers, Lake County Sheriff’s Office deputies, Flathead Tribal Police and the Montana Highway Patrol arrived to find Fisher dead from a single gunshot wound to the abdomen.

Investigators obtained home security video that appeared to show Fisher approach a nearby house, where a party was underway involving alcohol and many young adults. The investigation revealed that Fisher argued with one of five men regarding a female romantic interest who was attending the house party.

Fisher appeared unarmed and challenged one of the young adults to fight, according to court documents.

Four other males, including Cajune, chased Fisher. Cajune removed an object, “consistent with a pistol, from his person” as he followed Fisher, court documents said. The pursuit continued beyond the camera's view.

Two gunshots ring out before three males, including Cajune, appear back on the camera running to the house hosting the party. The video shows Cajune with both hands concealed in the front pocket area of his hooded sweatshirt. The other male’s hands are in plain sight and do not appear to be holding any objects consistent with a firearm, according to court documents.

One of the males can be heard on the video allegedly saying, “Elijah shot a fool ...” and “Elijah shot Sheldon.” Several people, including Cajune, are then seen getting into a Ford Expedition to flee the scene, court documents said.

Law enforcement was unable to locate a weapon used in the shooting, but they did find a .45 round that appeared to have passed through Fisher and stopped in his sweatshirt. The officers also identified and located many of the witnesses shown in the video surveillance.

Judge Molly Owen set sentencing for July 15. Cajune remains at liberty after posting $200,000 bond.