A possible plea agreement is in the works for Kevin Lino, the man accused of beating, torturing and shooting a local transient Gilbert 'Jack' Berry last summer.

Lino appeared in Missoula District Court via video from the Missoula County Jail with his attorney, Thomas Bartleson, who told Judge Karen Townsend that he and his client had been in negotiations with Chief Deputy County Attorney Jason Marks regarding a possible plea agreement.

Bartleson said he and his client had until 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday to make a decision, and that if it were accepted, the announcement would have to wait until Wednesday. Judge Townsend informed both parties that she would be in a jury trial on Wednesday, however, she would make time for the appearance at approximately 1:15 p.m in Courtroom number 3.

She reminded both parties that Lino had the right to appear in person when the plea agreement was read in court, and Bartleson said he and his client would decide whether they wanted to appear in person or via video from the jail.

Lino, 27,  along with Kenneth Hickman, who has already reached a plea agreement, are charged with beating Berry. It is alleged that Lino then urinated on the man, burned him with cigarettes and carved gang symbols into his skin before shooting him in the head with a handgun and dumping his body in the Clark Fork River, where it was found days later by a local fisherman.

Lino fled the area and was later found in Shreveport, Louisiana, where he refused extradition three times, until a governor's warrant was issued for him to be transported to Missoula.

No details of the plea agreement were made available to KGVO News, however, Lino, should be face trial, currently scheduled for May 6 and be found guilty, could face a possible penalty of life in prison.

 

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