Idaho murder suspect accused of cannibalism

BONNER COUNTY, Idaho (TCD) -- A 39-year-old man facing murder charges has been accused of cannibalism.

According to a news release from the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office, James "Jimmy" Davis Russell was initially arrested Sept. 10, 2021, in connection with 70-year-old David M. Flaget’s death. Flaget was reportedly found unresponsive inside a vehicle in the 100 block of Lower Mosquito Creek Road, and Russell was living on the property at the time. Russell was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.

According to the Bonners Ferry Herald, on Wednesday, Dec. 15, Bonner County Prosecutor Louis Marshall filed an amended criminal complaint, accusing Russell of cannibalism on top of the first-degree murder charge.

Upon further investigation of Flaget’s death, his remains were reportedly found, including a "thermal artifact." The Bonners Ferry Herald identifies a thermal artifact as indication that heat has been applied to only a section of remains versus the entire body.

An autopsy report obtained by the Bonners Ferry Herald found that the remains in Russell’s residence belonged to Flaget, and some of the remains have not yet been located.

According to the affidavit obtained by the Bonners Ferry Herald, Russell thought he could "heal himself by cutting off portions of flesh" in order to "cure his brain."

Flaget also reportedly used a cleanup kit to dispose of remains and other evidence after the murder.

According to the Bonners Ferry Herald, Flaget’s wrists were found duct-taped together, and because there wasn’t any blood under the tape, authorities think Flaget was restrained prior to the murder.

Russell is scheduled to appear in court Dec. 28.

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