Police: Woman Killed By Husband In Pocatello

A woman is dead and a man is in the hospital after an argument escalated in Pocatello, police said.

Pocatello police spokesman Kim Ellis said officers responded to a domestic dispute on West Center Street around 11:30 p.m. on Monday. At some point, the argument between Michael Lane Sparks and Judith Johnson escalated, the Bannock County Prosecutor’s Office said. In that fight Johnson was killed, Bannock County Coroner Kim Quick said. Police said Johnson had injuries from blunt force trauma, but are still waiting on official autopsy results.

The man and victim were married, but a no contact order was in place, Ellis said.

Ellis said the man drove away and rolled his car on Buckskin Road. He was taken to Portneuf Medical Center with multiple injuries.

This wasn’t the first time police had responded to a domestic disturbance at the couples’ home. A few weeks ago police arrested Sparks for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Sparks has not been arrested in connection to the murder, however charges are pending, the prosecutor’s office said.

A news conference is expected on Wednesday morning.

Neighbors say the couple had 2 children. A 12-year-old boy and a 9-year-old girl.