Man charged with murder and arson from 2020 incident

BONNERS FERRY — After three years of investigation, a man has been charged with second-degree murder and arson in connection to a 2022 fire.

Shannon Dabbs, 57, was charged on Aug. 2, with the murder of Susan Marie Dabbs and arson on Sept. 22, 2020.

In the criminal complaint, the prosecution wrote that Susan Dabbs was shot multiple times in the head and chest with a Glock 45.

Dabbs is charged with second-degree murder by the prosecution and first-degree arson related to a fire which destroyed a cabin located in the 6000 block of Perkins Lake Road, east of Moyie Springs.

After the probable cause was found, an arrest warrant was issued for Dabbs on July 7. The warrant was served on July 17 and the initial hearing took place Aug. 1.

At the initial hearing, Magistrate Judge Justin W. Julian gave two bond options — $1,000,000 and no conditions, or $300,000 with conditions including Dabbs wearing an ankle monitor at all times and at his own expense, not leave the state, and having no access to firearms or ammunition.

Anyone wearing an ankle monitor leaving the area of restriction other than obtaining emergency medical service, the individual can face a felony and a charge of five years in jail or a $50,000 fine.

A preliminary hearing, originally set for Aug. 10, was rescheduled for Sept. 22.

Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced Dabbs’ arrest on Aug. 2. The charges are the result of an almost three-year investigation by the Idaho State Police and Boundary County Sheriff’s Office, with consultation of the Idaho State Fire Marshal and the Spokane division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms.

The Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office thanks these agencies for their work in bringing this case to charging, the release said.