In the quiet town of Charlo, Montana, a tragedy unfolded on the morning of November 18, 2014, ending the life of 29-year-old RaeLynn M. Charlo. A White/Caucasian female and a proud member of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, RaeLynn was a beloved figure in her community, known for her beautiful smile and silly giggle. She had found a job she loved, driving the "Big Blue Bus" for Kicking Horse Job Corps, and also worked part-time at the Grey Wolf Peak Casino.
Her life, however, was cut short in what was initially reported as a suicide.
Around 5 a.m., a 911 call was made by RaeLynn's husband, Adrian McElderry, who claimed his wife had taken her own life. When law enforcement officers arrived at their Charlo residence, the scene told a different story. The evidence present did not align with McElderry's account of a self-inflicted wound. Investigators found a. 22 magnum revolver and several rounds of ammunition near where RaeLynn lay. An autopsy would later confirm that she had died from a single gunshot wound to the head.
The inconsistencies between the evidence and McElderry's statement led to his arrest. Though initially taken into custody on an unrelated charge, he was soon charged with deliberate homicide in connection with his wife's death. The community was left to grapple with the loss of a vibrant young woman who was deeply connected to her cultural heritage, having once traveled to Washington, D.C. to sing with the Yamncut Drum Group and dance in her jingle dress in the Capitol rotunda.
Ultimately, Adrian McElderry entered into a plea agreement, admitting his guilt to the amended charges of mitigated homicide and obscuring justice. He was sentenced to a total of 60 years in Montana State Prison. The court acknowledged the gravity of the crime and the profound loss suffered by RaeLynn's family. While his defense attorney argued for the possibility of redemption, highlighting his remorse and role as a father, the court described McElderry as a serious danger, particularly noting his violent tendencies when under the influence of alcohol. He was credited for time already served but will be eligible for parole after 15 years.
