Hayden couple to stand trial for alleged attack on neighbors

COEUR d’ALENE — A husband and wife accused of attacking their neighbors are headed for trial. 

Christopher D. Duncan, 58, pleaded not guilty this week to aggravated assault, a felony. Danielle M. Duncan, 56, pleaded not guilty in July to battery, a misdemeanor. 

The charges stem from July, when police said Christopher Duncan pointed a loaded gun at his neighbors and Danielle Duncan allegedly grabbed her neighbor by the throat. 

The Duncans’ neighbors, a family of four, told police they use an easement that goes along the Duncans’ property to access their own home. They said they were driving home in two separate vehicles when they came upon Christopher Duncan walking along the road with three goats. 

Police said video footage showed the neighbors slowed their vehicles and moved over as they passed Christopher Duncan, who pulled out a handgun and pointed it at one of the vehicles as it drove away. Court records indicate he put the gun away, then drew it again, loaded it and pointed it at the vehicle a second time. 

Danielle Duncan allegedly approached the neighbors after they reached their own property and accused them of speeding along the road. During the argument that followed, Danielle Duncan allegedly grabbed her neighbor by the throat, leaving red marks and scratches observed by police. 

The neighbors told police that, since last November, the Duncans have frequently shouted at them and accused them of speeding while driving along the easement. 

Police arrested Danielle Duncan at the scene. 

Law enforcement subsequently reviewed video recordings that reportedly showed Christopher Duncan pointing a loaded gun at his neighbors, according to court records. While he was at the Kootenai County jail to post bail for his wife, police arrested him for aggravated battery. 

When questioned by police, Christopher Duncan allegedly admitted to pointing the gun at his neighbors “because they were speeding and the vehicle’s side rearview mirror almost hit him,” court records said. 

In September, Christopher Duncan’s case was bound over to the district court for further action, after the court heard testimony from the neighbors and from police. 

A jury trial for Danielle Duncan is scheduled for November, while a jury trial for Christopher Duncan is set for January. 

In Idaho, aggravated assault is punishable by up to five years in prison. Misdemeanor battery carries a maximum penalty of six months in jail.