Lions Park Shooting

On Friday, Sept. 1, 2024, William R. Butler, of Hailey, made a decision that changed the lives of many in Blaine County.
Michael Bosse, a 34-year-old dog trainer from Hailey, was enjoying a day at Lions Park when former Reserve Police Officer William Butler, 73, approached and shot Bosse in the head from his vehicle. Bosse survived the shooting but carries the weight of being blinded for life in one eye, countless medical bills and severe psychological trauma. The reason for the shooting is somewhat confusing as neither man knew the other; however, what is clear is that Butler is severely mentally disturbed.
After being booked by Hailey PD, Butler spent three weeks in jail on a $1.5 million bail. At his hearing, Butler, charged with attempted murder, admitted to the court both guilt and premeditation—claiming he shot Bosse out of annoyance. He explained he’d been contemplating killing Bosse for weeks on the supposition that Bosse would sit in a vehicle using his cellphone at the park where Butler and his wife walk their dog.
After evaluations by forensic psychologists Linda Hatzenbuehler and Jason Gage, Butler was deemed by 5th District Court Judge Ned Williamson to “lack capacity to make informed decisions.”His public defender has suggested he suffers from “brain atrophy” and cannot fully understand the charges being brought against him.
On January 3, Butler was committed to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, who claimed his condition to be untreatable. State Hospital South in Blackfoot, however, does not seek to hold Butler, as it is claimed that he is not dangerously mentally ill.
The punishment for murder in Idaho is life in prison with the possibility of parole after 10 years. Attempted murder, a felony offense, is generally punishable by around half the sentence of murder.
While the psychological analyses of Butler are under seal, he was deemed psychologically unfit for trial. As of Friday, March 1, 2024, Butler remains at State Hospital South with a status conference set for April 1, 2024.
According to Idaho Statute Title 18, Chapter 2, 18-207: “Mental condition shall not be a defense to any charge of criminal conduct.” (legislature.idaho.gov)
Barring any diagnosed mental condition, according to the law, Butler committed premeditated attempted murder. If Butler is unfit to stand trial, is he also unfit to live freely as a citizen of Blaine (or any other) County?
The facts are absolute. Butler has admitted his guilt along with premeditation. This qualifies as a first-degree attempted murder which is generally punishable by life in prison.
The family has a gofundme account (tinyurl.com/2978bcd9 ) to help with the exorbitant hospital bills and future treatments Michael Bosse will require.
The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare can be found online at healthandwelfare.idaho.gov/ or by phone at (877) 456-1233.