Police: Man who shot girlfriend meant to threaten boy

IDAHO FALLS (AP) - A Pocatello man accused of killing his girlfriend at a party caused her death as he used a gun to threaten a 16-year-old boy - an action stemming from gang activity, Eastern Idaho authorities say.

Court documents obtained by the Post Register say that 25-year-old Kevin Mcquilliams caused the Jan. 1 shooting death of 34-year-old Annarae Ponce by using a firearm in a reckless, careless or negligent manner.

Mcquilliams appeared in 7th District Court on Friday. He's charged with aggravated assault, involuntary manslaughter, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. He also faces enhanced charges having to do with promoting criminal gang activity and using a deadly weapon.

The court documents state the shooting in Idaho Falls occurred "for the benefit, at the direction of or in association with a criminal gang or criminal gang member."

McQuilliams fled to California after the killing but was quickly captured and, last week, returned to Idaho to face charges.

He's being held in the Bonneville County Jail on $250,000 bail.

McQuilliam's case is being handled by the Bonneville County Public Defender's Office. Chief Deputy Public Defender John Thomas on Monday said he'd just been assigned the case and couldn't comment.

Idaho Falls police have previously said it doesn't appear that McQuilliams intended Ponce as a target. They were at an Idaho Falls home to attend a house party.