Murder and arson prelim set for February

BONNERS FERRY— A local man charged with second-degree murder and arson is scheduled for a preliminary hearing in February.

After three years of investigation for the murder of Susan Marie Dabbs and arson Sept. 22, 2020, Shannon Perry Dabbs, 57, was charged Aug. 2, with the murder and arson. 

The Boundary County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office announced the accused's arrest 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.

On or about Sept. 22, 2020, Susan Marie Dabbs received several shots to the head and chest from a Glock 45. 

Dabbs is charged with second-degree murder by the prosecution and first-degree arson related to a fire that 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 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 and to 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.

Dabbs filed a condition to release including that he would wear an ankle monitor. The supplier, Moon Security, which works directly with Boundary County Probation, was unwilling to provide a GPS monitor due to the severity of the charges. 

On Aug. 21, the court allowed Dabbs to go through another supplier, Allied, which was paid for through a bail bond. 

A preliminary hearing was originally set for Aug. 10, but was rescheduled for Sept. 22 and then Dec. 22.  The hearing has now been rescheduled for Feb. 16, due to an order to extend filed by the defense, to allow travel time to Louisiana for the purpose of “obtaining additional documentary and physical evidence relevant” to Dabbs’ defense. 

The defendant must return to Idaho on or before Jan. 3, 2024.