Montana Woman Charged With Deliberate Homicide in Death of 5-Year-Old Near Whitehall
The state’s criminal investigation unit now leads the case, signaling a complex probe with findings still to come.
Overview
- At an initial appearance in Jefferson County Justice Court in Boulder, a judge charged Kathryn Lesal Garaas with deliberate homicide and set bond at $5 million.
- She is held at the Jefferson County Detention Center in Boulder while the Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation leads the case.
- Deputies and EMTs from Jefferson County, Jefferson Valley EMS, and Madison County responded and gave medical aid, but the child did not survive.
- Authorities have not released how the boy died, and investigators have not confirmed identity or family details shared in a public fundraiser.
- KXLF reported a family spokesperson described the victim as Reign Blair and said the community is reeling, with the sheriff offering counseling to first responders.