Man charged with veteran’s death enters pleas
The man accused of shooting and killing a disabled veteran entered not guilty pleas in court Thursday.
Brandon Lee Craft, 22, pleaded not guilty to deliberate homicide, evidence tampering and exploitation of an older person, incapacitated person or person with a developmental disability, all felonies.
Craft is accused of shooting and killing 28-year-old Adam Petzack, a disabled Army veteran who was reported missing earlier this year by his mother. He is also accused of burying Petzak’s body on his rental property.
Craft and his wife, Katelyn, both face the exploitation charge for allegedly stealing Craft’s VA benefit payments after his death. Katelyn Craft entered her not guilty plea in September. She posted bond after being arrested in Washington State.
Brandon Craft initially fought extradition to Montana after his August arrest, but waived extradition in mid-September.
District Judge John Kutzman presided over Thursday’s arraignment hearings. He read the maximum penalties Craft faces, which include the death penalty or life in prison for the homicide charge.
Craft’s trial was set for Feb. 13. District Judge Elizabeth Best is the presiding judge for the case.
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Woman accused of stealing slain veteran’s benefits pleads not guilty