2 transients arrested in Evergreen homicide

Two suspects have been identified, arrested and charged in the homicide of a man who went over the Old Steel Bridge in Evergreen into the Flathead River and drowned Wednesday night.

The Flathead County Sheriff’s Office has identified Cecil Thomas Rice, 26, and Heather Joy Meeker, 25, as the suspects who allegedly fled the scene after the man, whom deputies believe they have also identified, went over.

Rice has been charged with deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence.

Meeker has been charged with accountability to deliberate homicide and tampering with evidence.

According to a press release from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, Rice and Meeker are transients currently living in the Kalispell area.

The victim’s identity has not been released and his body has not been recovered.

Details of the homicide are still under investigation, and further interviews are ongoing.

Reporter Mary Cloud Taylor can be reached at 758-4459 or mtaylor@dailyinterlake.com.