LaFriniere investigation continues

Authorities with the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office, the state Attorney General’s Office and the Division of Criminal Investigation continues to investigate the death of Thompson Falls resident Matt LaFriniere.

Sheriff Tom Rummel released a statement on Facebook last week, addressing speculation and comments on social media.

“A lot of evidence has been collected and submitted to the Montana Crime Lab in Missoula and it takes time to process this evidence,” Rummel wrote. “As this is an open investigation we are not allowed to release any of our findings at this time. Know that we are working hard on this investigation towards the successful prosecution of the individual(s) responsible for this crime.”

Rummel said that the office will release more information when it is available, and encourage anyone with information that would assist in the investigation to contact the sheriff’s office.

LaFriniere, 51, was found dead at his home on Airport Road in Thompson Falls in May. He was an employee of the Sanders County Sheriff’s Office and Empire Builders in Thompson Falls.