LEWISTON, ID – 38-year-old Joseph S. Nesbitt pleaded not guilty in Nez Perce County Court on Wednesday to felony kidnapping and murder charges.

According to court documents, Nesbitt allegedly murdered 36-year-old Jessica Dalton at his Lewiston home, located at 422 Park Avenue, on February 4.  After killing Dalton, police say Nesbitt then shot himself in the head but survived.

According to the documents, messages found on Nesbitt’s phone showed that he allegedly coaxed Dalton to his home and asked her to bring her dog.  Following the shootings, a standoff began with police but Nesbitt did eventually surrender.  He was arrested and transported to a hospital.  He was charged with first degree murder and first degree kidnapping.  He is currently being held at the Nez Perce County Jail without bond.

Next up in the case is a status conference that has been set for for April 11.