Boy, 5, dead in incident north of Whitehall; woman arrested

WHITEHALL — A 5-year-old boy is dead following a report of an medical emergency north of Whitehall on Friday afternoon, and a woman was taken into custody for suspected homicide, according to the Jefferson County sheriff.

According to a news release from Sheriff Tom Grimsrud, law enforcement from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, first responders from Jefferson Valley Emergency Services and Madison County deputies responded to the call Friday afternoon.

Grimsrud said medical aid was provided to the boy, but the incident resulted in the boy’s death.

The sheriff said there is no threat to the public. The woman, who was not identified by Grimsrud, was taken to the Jefferson County Detention Center on a potential homicide charge. The investigation into the incident is being led by the Montana Department of Justice's Division of Criminal Investigation.

“Our office would like to express our deepest sympathies to the friends and loved ones of the victim,” said Sheriff Grimsrud.

The sheriff did not provide further information on the incident, saying he needed to maintain the legal integrity of the case. Grimsrud said more information will be provided when appropriate.

Correction: This story has been corrected to note the incident did not involve a shooting.