MISSOULA, Mont. — A Missoula woman charged with the shooting death of a man last summer has changed her plea to no contest.
Joan Eikens, 36, faces charges of deliberate homicide and obstructing a peace officer in connection with the June 3, 2024, shooting of Tom Yearboro, 56, at a fourplex on South Eighth Street West. The incident led to a tense five-hour police standoff.
Eikens originally entered a not guilty plea but switched to no contest during a hearing overseen by Judge Shane Vannatta on Thursday.
When questioned about her legal representation, Eikens acknowledged struggles with mental health issues, including paranoia, but expressed trust in her defense team’s guidance on her plea decision.
Missoula Police responded to reports of a shooting and found Yearboro suffering from a gunshot wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead during transport to the hospital. Witnesses saw a woman, later identified as Eikens, holding a revolver near the victim.
Officers attempted negotiations with Eikens, who had barricaded herself inside the apartment. After unsuccessful communication attempts, SWAT deployed flash-bangs and gas to secure her surrender. Eikens was taken into custody with minor injuries.
Investigators recovered a Heritage Rough Rider revolver, believed to be the murder weapon, along with .22 caliber bullets on Eikens’ dresser, several rounds missing, and blood evidence inside the apartment.
The judge initially set bond at $1 million after the prosecution described the shooting as an unprovoked attack.
A sentencing hearing is scheduled for July 21.
