Klamath Falls, Ore. – A Klamath Falls woman is facing murder charges for allegedly shooting and killing her 42 year old male room mate.
61 year old Kim Johnson Noud is charged with murder, and unlawful use of a firearm.
Klamath County District Attorney Rob Patridge says Noud is accused of shooting and killing Kenneth Halston Wilkinson at a home in the 1900 block of Johnson Avenue Saturday afternoon…
“It was initially called into 911 that somebody had been shot. It initially got dispatched as a potential suicide.”
Police records say Noud claimed Wilkinson accidentally shot himself in the chest with a handgun.
However, police say Wilkinson had been shot in the back.
Patridge says Noud was placed under arrest about 12 hours into the investigation…
“Ultimately, she was booked into jail Sunday morning.”
Neighbor Fred Bechdoldt says he’s shocked…
“In the past we’ve known they had some disagreements, but we’ve never seen any violence.”
The D.A. says Noud and Wilkinson had lived together for several years…
“She had a long term domestic partner that got shot and was killed.”
Fred Bechdoldt adds: “They seemed to have been separated for a couple of weeks or so.”
D.A. Patridge: “But at this point in time we’ve charged her with murder.”
An autopsy has been scheduled for Tuesday.
Patridge says the case will go before a grand jury later this week…
“We’re continuing to gather evidence and interview people.”
And while the shooting has shaken him, Fred Bechdoldt says he doesn’t believe his neighborhood is dangerous…
“Not really. There’s mostly pretty good folks around here.”
Noud’s next court appearance is scheduled for next Monday.
The Klamath County Major Crime Team has been activated for the homicide investigation.
This is the first time the team has been activated without inclusion of the Klamath County Sheriff’s Office, due to a state investigation into Sheriff Frank Skrah.
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