Manslaughter suspect is imprisoned

SANDPOINT — A Bonner County man under investigation in connection with a deadly collision was ordered back to prison Tuesday for violating the terms of his probation.

Peter Franklin Goullette was on probation for burglary and unlawful possession of a firearm when he collided with two pedestrians on McGhee Road on June 30.

Idaho State Police said Goullette was driving southbound in a Chevrolet pickup truck when he struck Katherine K. Stelzer and Zualita L. Updike.

Stelzer, a 61-year-old from Mead, Wash., died at the scene. Updike, 50, of Clark Fork, was seriously injured.

Goullette admitted having marijuana in his system at the time of the crash, which violated the terms of his probation. Goullette was later spotted consuming alcohol at the Bonner County Fair and outside bars in Sandpoint and Ponderay, resulting in additional probation violations.

Goullette, 23, has not yet been charged in connection with the fatal collision.

Bonner County Chief Deputy Prosecutor Shane Greenbank recommended Goullette be placed back into the Idaho Department of Correction’s retained jurisdiction program. When jurisdiction is retained, also known as a rider, a defendant serves up to a year in prison.

“He’s either unwilling or unable to comply with the conditions of probation,” said Greenbank.

Deputy Public Defender Susie Jensen urged against further incarceration, pointing out that Goullette had been making progress on probation prior to the crash.

“He deserves the opportunity to show the court he can do well,” said Jensen, who added that Goullette has been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Goullette asked to remain free so he could support his family.

“I was doing good before the accident,” he said. “It just really took a toll on me.”

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan opted to impose the underlying one- to three-year prison terms that were suspended in the burglary and weapon possession cases.

“You’ve been an abysmal failure on probation. I have given you chance after chance,” Buchanan said.

The sentences run concurrently and Goullette will be given credit for time he’s already served, according to court documents.