Four face felony charges in connection with death

Four people were taken into custody at the Lake County Jail over the weekend, all of whom law enforcement believe are responsible for injuries to a female found injured near McDonald Lake last weekend.

Julia Vaile, 18, of Browning, Gale Hendrickx, 19, of Pablo, and Joseph Parizeau, Jr., 22, of Ronan, were arrested on charges of negligent homicide, and Donnovan Sherwood, 18, Arlee, was arrested on a charge of obstructing justice.

Cassandra Harris, 24, of Ronan, passed away as a result of her injuries.

Lake County Sheriff Don Bell released the names of the four suspects, along with the victim, late Tuesday morning.

Harris was found Saturday, June 23 “unconscious and badly injured,” according to Lake County Undersheriff Ben Woods, via press release on Sunday.

Harris was not the female from Charlo recently reported missing by the Missoula Police Department, Woods also stated.

Authorities suspected a vehicle at the scene was involved in Harris’ injuries.

She was taken to Kalispell Regional Medical Center, and was in the Intensive Care Unit.

Montana Highway Patrol and Flathead Tribal Police assisted Lake County detectives in apprehending the four suspects.

Bell confirmed Tuesday Vaile and Hendrickx were released from jail following a court hearing Monday in Lake County Justice Court.

A Justice Court clerk said that both Vaile and Hendrickx were released on their own recognizance.

An autopsy will be conducted by the Montana State Crime Lab in Missoula.

More information was not readily available early Tuesday afternoon.

This is a developing story.