Sheriff identifies victims, suspect in fatal Plains-area shooting

A 48-year-old man was being held Monday on pending homicide charges after two people were shot and killed near Plains on Halloween night.

The suspect, Neil Morris, was taken to the Sanders County Jail after being apprehended in Hot Springs on Oct. 31.

Sanders County Sheriff Shawn Fielders identified the victims as Erik Jamerson, 41, and Linda Purdy, 63. A third victim, Diana Lopez, 26, sustained serious but non-life-threatening gunshot wounds and was recovering at a hospital, Fielders said.

Law enforcement officers were dispatched at 11:27 p.m. Oct. 31 to a report of a disturbance and shots fired at a home on Prairie Lane outside Plains. Responding officers found two people dead at the home and a third person with serious gunshot injuries.

Other law enforcement agencies were notified that a suspect vehicle had left the scene before officers arrived. Hot Springs Police Chief Eric Larson located the vehicle in Hot Springs and took a suspect into custody without incident, according to a press release.

"I understand that our community has questions and concerns surrounding this tragic incident," Fielders said. "Our deputies and investigators have been working diligently, and this remains an active investigation."

"Out of respect for the victims and their families, and to protect the integrity of the investigation, certain details cannot be released at this time. We ask for the community’s patience and understanding as we work through this process."