Month: April 2026

Seth Ratliff

UPDATED:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — An Idaho Falls man, Logan Dakota Stephens, will spend up to the next 20 years in prison for shooting a 35-year-old bystander during a confrontation at the Melaleuca building parking lot in June 2024.

Seventh District Judge Michael J. Whyte handed down a unified sentence of 20 years, with at least five years fixed before Stephens is eligible for parole. The sentencing comes after Stephens pleaded guilty to felony aggravated battery and a deadly weapon enhancement earlier this year.

Shooting Background

The shooting took place just before midnight on June 30, 2024, near the Melaleuca building on 330 North Capital Ave. According to court records, Stephens was walking with his girlfriend when they were approached by another woman.

A fight broke out between the three, and several bystanders attempted to separate them. One bystander, the 35-year-old shooting victim, told police he’d attempted to pull Stephens away from the woman when Stephens brandished a knife.

The man backed away and began recording the incident on his cell phone.

Rather than leaving, court records say Stephens went to his vehicle, retrieved a handgun, put it in his waistband, and returned to the scene. Walking toward the man, he fired multiple rounds, striking the victim in the leg, abdomen, and arms. Stephens, however, later told officers the man was threatening him and challenging him to a fight.

The shooting victim was rushed to the Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center for treatment, and the Bonneville County Prosecutor’s Office has confirmed the victim survived the attack.

Court Details

Stephens was initially charged and pleaded not guilty to aggravated assault and two counts of use of a deadly weapon in the commission of a Felony.

In early 2026, Stephens entered a change of plea, pleading guilty to felony aggravated battery.

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News Release

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — The Idaho Falls Zoo is inviting the community to its annual Community Clean-up Day on April 11, to help prepare the zoo for the new season. Volunteers of all ages are welcome to join and assist in refreshing the zoo grounds after winter.

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with check-in available between 9 a.m. and noon at the William J. Maeck Education Center, near the zoo entrance.

Participants will help with raking, cleaning, and general grounds maintenance to get the zoo ready for opening day. Individuals, families, schools, and volunteer groups are welcome to attend and contribute as much time as they can.

“We are incredibly grateful for the continued support from our community, both this year and in years past,” said Zoo Director David Pennock. “Clean-up Day has become a wonderful tradition, and the dedication our volunteers show year after year makes a lasting impact on the zoo. Their efforts help us create a welcoming environment for our guests and provide the best possible care for our animals.”

Volunteers are asked to bring their own supplies if possible, including work gloves, brooms, grass rakes, large shovels, and wheelbarrows. Volunteers are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor work and to be ready to get a little dirty while helping.

“Why should the community come out? Why not? You know, that’s the big question. Why not? … it’s just fun to be in the zoo,” Pennock said. “It’s fun to do a little community service and, know that the service that you offer is to an institution that the city loves and the city uses and our citizens use.”

Each participant must complete and submit an individual City of Idaho Falls Volunteer Release of Liability form before volunteering. Forms are required for every volunteer and cannot be shared. Volunteers under 18 must be part of a family or organized group, and their form must be completed and signed by a legal guardian. Group leaders or supervisors must remain with all youth participants while at the zoo.

For questions about Community Clean-up Day, contact the volunteer team at ZooVolunteers@idahofallszoo.org.

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Seth Ratliff

BANNOCK COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — Bannock County authorities have released the names of two Pocatello residents killed in a violent shooting incident on Friday afternoon, April 3rd, in northern Power County.

Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner identified the victims as 40-year-old Brandon Lee Madden and 36-year-old Amanda Ann Christian, both of Pocatello.

“My heart goes out to the families involved and Power County community affected by this tragedy,” said Bannock County Coroner Torey Danner.

Community Support and Family Tribute

In the wake of the shooting, Jocelyn Baker, Madden’s sister-in-law, set up a GoFundMe campaign to support Madden’s wife and children.

Madden and Family, Courtesy GoFundMe

She confirmed the victims were siblings and characterized Madden as a devoted father and the heart of his family. Baker says the funds they gather will go toward funeral services and allowing the victim’s family to grieve.

“This was not just a loss—it was a violent, sudden tragedy that has left an entire family shattered,” wrote Baker. “We are asking for support to help lift some of the overwhelming burden during this incredibly difficult time.”

As of April 7, the fundraiser has collected $1,407 toward a $20,000 goal. For more information, click HERE.

Shooting Details

The violent incident took place along Tank Farm Road. According to the police, Sheriff’s Deputies were called to the area around 2:40 p.m. to reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered Madden and Christian dead at the scene and located a third victim suffering from gunshot wounds. The surviving victim was treated at the scene and rushed by ground ambulance to a local hospital.

While securing the perimeter, investigators heard additional shots fired nearby. A fourth victim—a bystander in a boat—was struck by gunfire as the suspect attempted to escape police. Emergency responders stabilized the man at the scene, and he was airlifted to the Portneuf Medical Center for further treatment.

Surviving Victims and Ongoing Investigation

As of Saturday, Bannock County Public Information Officer Emma Iannacone confirmed that both surviving victims are in stable condition, with one already released from medical care. The identity of the shooter is being withheld pending the notification of their next of kin.

According to Iannacone, the identity of the shooter will be released pending next of kin notification.

Power County Sheriff’s Office continues to be assisted in the homicide investigation by Idaho State Police and Bannock County Coroner’s Offices. The Idaho Falls Police Department will lead the Eastern Idaho Critical Incident Task Force investigation into the officer-involved shooting.

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