Heather Harrington Pleads No Contest in Belgrade Murder Case

BOZEMAN, Mont. — Heather Ann Harrington entered a no contest plea for negligent homicide on November 1, 2023, in connection with the fatal shooting of George Sobrepena at a Belgrade trailer park. This plea agreement comes after Harrington was initially charged with deliberate homicide for the incident that occurred on October 31, 2023.

The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office announced that District Court Judge McElyea will consider sentencing recommendations on May 30, 2025. Gallatin County Attorney Audrey Cromwell emphasized the gravity of the case, stating, “Homicide is the most serious offense in our justice system, and our office is committed to ensuring that those who take a life face the full consequences of the law.” Cromwell also extended condolences to Sobrepena’s family, noting, “We hope this conviction provides some measure of justice and closure.”

The initial incident unfolded when a worker at a local construction site called 911 at approximately 1:20 p.m. on October 23, 2023, reporting a woman who requested help. The worker sent two employees to follow Harrington, who led them to the Lexley Acres Trailer Court. The employees reported seeing a man lying on the floor, bleeding, but were uncertain of his condition.

Emergency responders soon arrived and attempted to contact Harrington, who refused to open the door and claimed that no one was injured. After law enforcement arrived, Harrington eventually exited the trailer but insisted they could not enter. Officers informed her they were required to check the inside, which prompted her to mention an intruder.

Upon entering the trailer, authorities discovered Sobrepena deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. They also found a handgun, four spent shell casings, and two bullets within the premises. Subsequent to her arrest, Harrington was taken to the Gallatin County Detention Center, where police discovered four more fired casings matching the caliber found at the crime scene.

Detectives noted that Harrington possessed a men’s wristwatch in her pocket but chose not to provide a statement following the administration of her Miranda rights. The thorough investigation leading to these developments involved several local agencies. The Gallatin County Attorney’s Office publicly recognized Officer Paul Wilson and Officer Jesse Stovall of the Belgrade Police Department, along with Deputy Nicholas Redburn and Deputy Alberto Tapia of the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, and various members of the Montana State Crime Lab. Cromwell noted, “Their dedication and commitment to justice were instrumental in bringing this case to a successful resolution.”