Charlo man gets 60 years for killing wife
file photo
Adrian McElderry
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POLSON — A Charlo man was sentenced to Montana State Prison for a total of 60 years for killing his wife, 29-year-old Raelynn Charlo, last year at their Charlo residence.
On Dec. 1, Adrian McElderry, 33, originally pleaded not guilty to felony deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence, both felonies. He later admitted his guilt per terms of a plea agreement that included an amended lesser charge of mitigated homicide and an amended count of obscuring justice.
The court sentenced McElderry to 40 years for the mitigated homicide charge and added another 10 years for admitting to the use of a firearm in the offense. He was sentenced to 10 years for a misdemeanor count of obscuring justice. Although he was credited for the 377 days he’s already spent in Lake County Jail, no part of the sentences are suspended, and all are to run consecutively for a total of 60 years.
McElderry called 911 on Nov. 18, 2014 and told dispatch that his wife had killed herself. Evidence at the scene didn’t match McElderry’s story as deputies found a .22 magnum revolver and several rounds of ammo near where Charlo lay. An autopsy report indicated Charlo died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
McElderry’s attorney stated that McElderry is deeply remorseful over the death of his wife. Because of this, McElderry’s sentence should not include parole restrictions.
“Mr. McElderry is a redeemable person … a caring father, active and involved in his son’s life,” State Public Defender Brendan McQuillan wrote in a memorandum in support of the plea agreement. “In short, Mr. McElderry is not a lost cause.”
In the judgment, the court said the sentence is “appropriate for the crime and the magnitude of the harm done to the family; and that (McElderry) is a serious danger, an alcoholic, and violent when he drinks.”
McElderry will be eligible for parole in 15 years, according to court documents.
