Montana

Man accused of 2008 throat slashing pleads not guilty

Posted: Jul 31, 2012 10:32 AM by Erin Schattauer - MTN News
Updated: Jul 31, 2012 10:40 AM

BOZEMAN - A man accused of slitting another man's throat in October 2008 appeared in Gallatin County District Court this morning.

Kelly Zuhlke has been on the lam since October 2008 when papers were filed, charging him with assault with a weapon for allegedly slashing a man's throat at a shop along Gallatin Road. Today, Zuhlke pleaded not guilty to the felony charge.

Judge Holly Brown continued his bail at $100,000. He is being held in the Gallatin County Detention Center.

According to court documents, on Oct. 10, 2008, three men were putting metal on the walls of the shop at 78750 Gallatin Road. At around 6 p.m., Zuhlke arrived. The four men were then sitting around, drinking beer and talking when Zuhlke reached out and slit one of the men's throats, one of the other men told police at the time, according to court documents. Zuhlke then reportedly fled.

The two other men told the victim to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital where he underwent surgery.

The victim later told police they were drinking beer when Zuhlke, who rented space at the shop, stopped by. He added that he believed Zuhlke was "upset about life and reached out and grabbed the knife and slit his throat."

The following day, a detective went to Zuhlke's home where his live-in girlfriend said she had not seen him since she got off work.

If convicted, Zuhlke faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $50,000.