$1 million bail for accused killer

COEUR d’ALENE — The man accused of fatally shooting a Hauser Lake resident last month will be held on $1 million bail.

Adam J. Bennett, 44, is charged with the murder of 77-year-old Dennis Rogers.

He is also charged with three counts of attempted murder, possession of stolen property, unlawful possession of a firearm and grand theft.

First District Judge Douglas Payne ordered Thursday that Bennett’s bail be set at $1 million, at the request of prosecutors.

Bennett was previously held without bail.

The charges stem from the night of Feb. 28, when Rogers reportedly went to lock up his horses after dinner and discovered his barn was on fire.

Rogers told his wife to call 911, armed himself with a gun and went outside to investigate, according to court documents.

Bennett allegedly overpowered Rogers, took the gun and shot him.

Bennett also allegedly shot another person, who was transported to Kootenai Health with non-life threatening injuries.

Witnesses say they saw a man running from the scene after the shooting.

Police briefly detained Bennett hours before he allegedly killed Rogers, records show.

Records obtained by The Press indicate that a police officer for BNSF Railway responded around 3:50 pm. on Feb. 28 to a report of a trespasser walking alongside a freight train in Hauser.

Police detained Bennett in handcuffs, then contacted dispatch at the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office to confirm whether Bennett had any active warrants.

Bennett was wanted on two warrants out of Washington County, Idaho, according to court documents.

The BNSF Railway officer ultimately cited and released Bennett for the misdemeanor crime of stealing a ride on a train. It's unclear why the existence of the warrants didn't lead to the suspect's arrest. The sheriff's office is investigating.

Hours later, the fire and deadly shooting occurred.

Police arrested Bennett and booked him into jail on the Washington County warrants. Prosecutors filed additional charges a week later.