Trial date set for Missoula woman accused of shooting, killing neighbor
A trial date has been set for March 2025 for a Missoula woman accused of shooting and killing her neighbor in June.
Joan H. Eikens, 36, has pleaded not guilty to two charges including homicide, a felony, and obstructing a peace officer, a misdemeanor. She was arrested after an hours-long standoff with Missoula police on June 3 at a fourplex on South Eighth Street West.
Missoula County District Court Judge Shane Vannatta set March 10 as the day for an expected two-week trial to begin.
Charging documents allege Eikens shot Tom Yearboro, 56, at the residence. Police found him at the scene with a chest gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead as first responders were transporting him from the scene to the hospital.
Court documents previously filed in the case indicate Eikens may use justifiable force or having a mental health condition as defenses.
Eikens is currently in custody at the Missoula jail on a $1,000,000 bail.
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