A 19-year-old accused of stabbing a Kalispell man during a home invasion earlier this month will undergo a mental health evaluation before his case proceeds in court.
Dante Kirpal Kier, of Santa Barbara, Calif., appeared in Flathead County District Court for his arraignment on Dec. 29, but his counsel, public defender Brent Getty, asked District Judge Stewart Stadler for more time to administer a psychiatric evaluation before Kier enters a plea.
Kier is charged with attempted deliberate homicide, aggravated burglary and assault with a weapon, all felonies, after a Dec. 12 home invasion in southeast Kalispell.
During the Dec. 29 hearing, Kier appeared agitated as he waited for his turn in front of the judge, glaring at media cameras and bobbing in his seat as if to music. Stadler granted the request for an extension, scheduling Kier’s arraignment for Jan. 26.
According to court documents, the break-in occurred while the homeowner, Brian Bay, was working on his dishwasher. Investigators say Bay went to the garage to get a tool and found Kier in his house when he returned inside.
Bay’s wife and children were also home at the time, but were unharmed.
Bay confronted Kier, who prosecutors say had a weapon in his hand. A fight ensued, during which Bay was stabbed in the mouth and arm with what court records identify as a wood-handled steak knife.
Prosecutors also said Kier attempted to stab Bay in the chest, and that the blade was “bent severely” after the attack.
During the confrontation, Bay’s wife called 911 at about 9:35 p.m. while Bay restrained Kier. Police arrived and arrested Kier. Bay was treated and released at Kalispell Regional Medical Center.
Investigators say that Kier admitted entering the home and attempted to murder the homeowner because “it felt good.” Kier also said, according to court records, that he was a member of the Insane Clown Posse gang and referred to himself as a Juggalo. Kier was in the Flathead visiting relatives.
Kier has a conviction in Santa Barbara for entering a non-commercial dwelling in 2010. According to court documents, his father contacted the Kalispell Police Department and said his son has a history of mental health issues and drug abuse and he believes Kier should stay in jail for everyone’s safety.
Kier remains in the Flathead County Detention Center on $500,000 bail.