Trial delays continue for second Fallon homicide suspect

The wheels of justice continue to turn slowly for Isaac Carrier's family as a set trial date for Sterling Brown, the second suspect charged in connection to the murder of the Fallon resident nearly two years ago, is still pending.

In December of 2023, a trial for Brown was postponed for the second time after his representing attorney, Lance Jasper out of Missoula, filed a motion to delay the trial.

Carrier was found deceased in his Fallon apartment following a fire on Jan. 23, 2023. Brown - alongside Jake Burghduff who was convicted in August last year on one count of deliberate homicide by accountability - was charged with a total of five felonies relating to the fire and Carrier's death.

Brown was released from the Dawson County Correctional Facility on a $1 million bond on Nov. 15 last year after his mother posted a certificate of deposit for the total bond amount.

Brown's trial, following the second motion to delay last year, was expected to take place over a two-week period beginning on Sept. 30.

However, the trial was delayed again following a petition filed by the defendant and his attorney with the Montana Supreme Court earlier this year to disqualify 7th Judicial District Court Judge Olivia Rieger from presiding in the case against him. The petition cited 3-1-805 of Montana Code Annotated regarding disqualification for cause.

While under consideration of the Montana Supreme Court, Rieger voluntarily recused herself from presiding in the case, creating the need for the assignment of an alternate judge.

"It has come to this court's attention that Judge Rieger has disqualified herself from this case (and) it is therefore ordered that the motion to disqualify Judge Rieger is denied as moot," the Montana Supreme Court ruled in July this year.

As a result, Jessica Fehr, the presiding judge in 13th Judicial District Court, was assigned as the alternate judge.

According to Prairie County Attorney Dan Rice, a new trial date is still pending with Fehr indicating she cannot preside in the matter until at least after February of 2025.

"She's a Billings judge and her court calendar is booked at least that far out," Rice said.

Once the trial date is set, it is still expected to take place in the courtroom of the 7th Judicial District Court located in Dawson County. However, the defendant's attorney filed a motion for a change in venue, which is awaiting a final decision by the judge, according to Rice.

A status hearing is currently scheduled to take place on Friday, Oct. 4 in Billings with Fehr presiding. Rice noted he will have more information and potential trial dates following that hearing.