A late-night dispute in rural Idaho has led to serious criminal charges after authorities say a woman shot a man during an argument that escalated under the influence of alcohol.
According to court records, 65-year-old Diane Wetherbee is facing a felony charge of aggravated battery with the use of a deadly weapon following the incident, which took place Saturday night in Challis. Law enforcement officials allege the situation turned violent after a verbal confrontation between Wetherbee and the victim intensified.
Investigators say both individuals had been drinking at a residence when tensions rose. During the argument, the man reportedly handed Wetherbee a .380-caliber pistol and challenged her, allegedly telling her to shoot him. Authorities say she then fired the weapon, striking him in the leg.
After the shooting, court documents indicate Wetherbee left the scene of the confrontation and went upstairs, where she fell asleep. Another person present in the home reportedly did not witness the shooting but told police they heard a single gunshot.
Deputies responded to the residence at approximately 11:23 p.m., where they found Wetherbee asleep in a bedroom. She was taken into custody without incident. The firearm believed to have been used in the shooting was recovered from the room, along with visible blood at the scene.
Further investigation revealed additional blood evidence throughout the home, including a pair of boots near the back door. Authorities say Wetherbee later admitted to the shooting while being transported to the Custer County Jail.
She is currently being held on a $25,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on March 30. A judge has also issued a no-contact order, requiring her to avoid any interaction with the victim.
If convicted, Wetherbee could face a prison sentence of up to 15 years under Idaho law.
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