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Suspect in Helena murder set to make initial court appearance

Homicide suspect to make first appearance in Justice Court
Posted at 12:41 PM, Nov 23, 2020
and last updated 2020-11-23 18:52:09-05

Corey Michael Kelly, accused of killing Mark Luther in the Helena valley last week, is expected to make his first appearance in Lewis & Clark County Justice Court on Monday.

Kelly, 31, has been charged with deliberate homicide for the death of Luther on Friday, Nov. 20.

According to documents filed with the court, Kelly was at Luther’s residence early Friday morning along with several other people.

During the evening Luther had gotten a cut by his eye and asked that one of the individuals present cauterize the wound.

Law enforcement found a video showing a scythe being used to cauterize the wound. Detectives say Kelly can be seen in the recording.

After the cauterizing incident, witnesses told detectives Luther and Kelly got into an argument, with Luther allegedly throwing a pistol down the hallway.

Luther then presented several loaded firearms and told Kelly to pick one. Witnesses told law enforcement Luther made several comments to them and Kelly that the firearms were loaded.

Kelly allegedly picked up one of the firearms described as a carbine 9mm, or military-style M4.

Luther then turned to Kelly and raised his hands, and at that point Kelly allegedly shot Luther in the chest.

Kelly is then accused of leaving the residence and striking two other vehicles with his vehicle while leaving.

Kelly’s vehicle was found at his home with damage, but Kelly was not at the residence. He was found by authorities just before 10 p.m. Friday and taken into custody without incident.

Prosecutors requested that Kelly’s bond be set at $250,000.