EBS STAFF
On Sept. 29, Christopher Foiles pled guilty to one count of deliberate homicide, a felony, for the killing of Megan Ashley Stedman in the Bozeman Walmart parking lot on Dec. 14, 2023.
Judge Rienne McElyea presided over the change of plea hearing at the Gallatin County District Court. Foiles appeared in custody with his attorney. Foiles’ plea was entered as part of a written plea agreement between the parties and under the agreement, the state and defense recommend that Foiles be sentenced to 60 years in the Montana State Prison. Under theagreement, Foiles would not be eligible for parole until serving at least 25 years of his sentence.
Judge McElyea conditionally accepted the plea, reserving a final determination on whether to adopt the sentencing recommendation pending review of a Pre-Sentence Investigation Report. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 25, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
“The acceptance of responsibility in this case spares the victim’s family from the trauma of trial,” County Attorney Audrey Cromwell stated in a press release. “While we await final sentencing, our office remains steadfast in ensuring that justice is carried out fully and transparently. I want to thank the Bozeman Police Department and the victim advocates who supported the family throughout this difficult process.”
Foiles remains in custody at the Gallatin County Detention Center pending sentencing.
