Charlo man accused of shooting wife

CHARLO – Lake County Sheriff’s officials believe Raelynn M. Charlo died because her husband Adrian M. McElderry shot her in the head.

Sheriff’s deputies responded to the shooting scene after McElderry called 9-1-1 at about 5 a.m., Nov. 18, and said Charlo committed suicide.

When deputies arrived to investigate the scene, they determined the shooting was “suspicious,” took McElderry into custody for questioning and began the wait for Missoula Crime Lab experts to determine Charlo’s cause of death, said Lake County Undersheriff Dan Yonkin.

The alleged murder occurred at the couple’s home on First Street. Inconsistent evidence, along with inconsistent statements McElderry made raised authority’s suspicions, said Lake County Sheriff’s Department Public Relations Officer Karen Sargeant.

Investigators remained at the shooting scene all day investigating the incident.

McElderry 32, of Charlo was arrested and charged with deliberate homicide Nov. 19, and was arraigned Nov. 20 before Lake County Justice Court Judge Joey Jayne where he was appointed a public defense attorney.

McElderry is being held without bail.