Coroner’s inquest set, man shot self during traffic stop

HELENA, Mont. (AP) - A coroner’s inquest is scheduled next month in the case of a Helena man who shot himself to death during a traffic stop.

Josh Aaron Vestre died April 7 after being stopped by a Lewis and Clark County deputy. He was 46.

A coroner’s inquest is required when a death occurs while a person is in custody or being taken into custody by a law enforcement officer.

The Independent Record reports Anaconda-Deer Lodge County Coroner Jessie Billquist-Jette will oversee the Nov. 2 proceedings. Lewis and Clark County Coroner Bryan Backeberg recused himself due to a conflict.

The findings of state Division of Criminal Investigation agents will be presented to a six-person jury which will determine the cause and manner of Vestre’s death and whether a crime took place.

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Information from: Independent Record, http://www.helenair.com