Inquest jury reaches verdict in fatal shooting by Yellowstone County deputy
Jan 10, 2025
BILLINGS - A jury impaneled to hear evidence at a Coroner's Inquest into whether a Yellowstone County sheriff's deputy was justified in a fatal shooting returned a verdict Friday morning.The jury ruled Deputy Christopher Etter was justified when he shot and killed Vilene Not Afraid on March 25, 2023 during a two-hour standoff on a busy Billings roadway.The advisory verdict came on the second day of the inquest hearing. The Yellowstone County Attorney's Office will decide whether any criminal charges should be filed in the case.This is a developing story. Check back for updates.RELATED: Inquest into woman killed by Yellowstone County deputy begins