Woman pleads not guilty in murder case; judge orders mental evaluation

A woman believed to be suffering from mental health issues pleaded not guilty Thursday in the murder of a 69-year-old woman who was reportedly helping with maintenance work around the suspect's home. 

Pamela Jean Courtnage pleaded not guilty on Thursday to deliberate homicide and theft, both felonies. If convicted, she could spend 100 years in state prison.

Law enforcement charged Courtnage, 44, on May 27 after reportedly finding the body of a 69-year-old woman in Courtnage's back yard. Courtnage was arrested later that day near Clearwater Junction, after she allegedly took the victim's purse and pickup truck to Missoula County. 

GFPD: Woman was helping repair home when killed

Mental health a possible factor in homicide case

The Cascade County Attorney's office has not released the name of the victim, citing concerns that Marsy's Law gives the victim's family a right to privacy. Court documents list the victim as Jane Doe. Marsy's Law, approved by Montana voters in November, is an amendment to the Montana Constitution and goes into effect July 1. 

Following an order signed by the presiding judge on May 30, Courtnage will undergo a mental health evaluation. At her initial appearance, Courtnage's public defender told Cascade County District Judge Elizabeth Best "We have reason to believe there may be a mental health issue in this case," after Courtnage began talking about her prior arrests in nearby Chouteau County.

The victim in the case was visiting Great Falls to help with maintenance and repair work on Courtnage's home, according to court documents. The victim's husband found her outside Courtnage's home after several attempts to contact the victim by phone went unanswered. 

Law enforcement reported finding a blood trail from where the victim lay near the back stairs on the porch leading inside into one of the residence bedrooms. Blood was found on the bed, the nightstand and throughout the bedroom, according to court documents, while the screen and glass window were found lying outside the bedroom.

Possible weapons consistent with the victim's wounds were found in the residence, charging documents state. The victim reportedly suffered blunt force trauma to the head, and her neck had been cut.

The affidavit also states that Courtnage had been in an altercation with the victim in February, in which Courtnage reportedly shoved the victim.