Details surface in fatal shooting

POST FALLS — Post Falls 24-year-old Mitchell C. Payette was identified Tuesday as the man who died from gunshot wounds early Monday after he reportedly broke into a home just south of Post Falls, destroyed property and threatened the occupants.

The renters of the home in the 900 block of south Spokane Street were also identified by the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office as Trent J. Slinger, 21, and Shelby R. Arlt, 25, both of Post Falls.

Craig Young, who owns the home, said it appears the actions of Slinger, who fired "several" rounds with a pistol according to the KCSO, were justified.

"Prime reason why our rights to protect ourselves should never be removed," Young told The Press.

Young said his renters didn't know Payette.

"They're really shaken up and pretty distraught," he said. "They had just moved to this cute little place in the woods but close to town where they thought it would be safe and a good place to start their lives, and look what happens. I feel horrible."

Young said he's trying to look into whether Payette knew the previous renter.

"Apparently the (current renters) have had people coming in looking for (the previous renter)," Young said.

Young said he doesn't believe his current renters were physically injured during the incident.

An autopsy was completed on Payette on Monday. However, the final results of the examination, including the official cause of death and toxicology reports, will not be complete for six to eight weeks.

The investigation indicates Slinger and Arlt were sleeping inside the home and were awakened by loud crashing noises, according to the KCSO. Slinger discovered an intruder had forced his way into the home through a door and was continuing to damage property inside.

"The resident confronted the intruder verbally telling him to leave," a KCSO press release states. "After being told several times to leave, the intruder, who also appears to have been armed during the incident, began aggressing both residents. (Slinger) fired several rounds from a handgun, which ultimately stopped (Payette)."

Young said he heard that Payette had charged toward his renters with an item. Payette apparently broke into the garage before entering the home and entered the property on foot, Young said.

Young said he has spoken with relatives of his renters but hasn't reached them directly because their phones were taken for the investigation.

No further information was released by the KCSO on Tuesday.

The incident was the third shooting in the Post Falls area this month. Two of the incidents occurred in the county just outside city limits, while the other was inside the city.