YOUR AD HERE »

Judge rejects bail adjustment for man accused of brutal assault against girlfriend

Ryan Fenner, 26, of Cut Bank, Montana

A man accused of attacking his girlfriend and leaving her with severe injuries will not receive a lowered bail nor permission to return to his home state while he awaits court.

At a preliminary hearing Jan. 14, Ryan Fenner’s attorney said his client was waiving his right to the preliminary hearing because of the possibility of a plea bargain. However, the attorney requested the judge lower Fenner’s $75,000 bail and allow him to return to Montana with his family in between court dates.

Fenner faces charges of first and second degree assault, second degree burglary, second degree kidnapping, menacing, possession of an illegal weapon, obstruction of telephone service, criminal mischief and harassment for the alleged attack of his girlfriend.



In November, Fraser Winter Park Police responded to a domestic disturbance call at the Woodspur Lodge in Winter Park and arrested Fenner. The arrest report alleges that Fenner punched his girlfriend multiple times and hit her with an unidentified object, knocking her unconscious in the lodge’s parking lot. 

Fenner then dragged his girlfriend by the hair back to their room where he choked her and held an unloaded gun to her head, pulling the trigger on two different occasions, the report states.



In the report, the woman’s injuries are described as severe, including a swollen face, bruises around her eyes, red marks on her neck and several other cuts and abrasions.

Despite the severity of the charges, Fenner’s attorney noted that his client doesn’t otherwise have a criminal record and that his mother, sister and grandparents appeared in court to support him and be available to the judge.

Prosecutor Kathryn Dowdell argued against lowering the bond, saying the victim remains terrified of Fenner, and police officers and other community members had raised concerns about the danger Fenner presents out of jail.

Ultimately, Judge Nicholas Catanzarite denied the reconsideration of the bond, as well as Fenner’s request to return home to Montana while he awaits court.

“Even though Mr. Fenner doesn’t have any or much criminal history, I think there is a risk to community safety,” Catanzarite said. “I can make the determination even without making the finding of whether or not he committed those offenses. He’s accused of committing them and they’re serious.” 

Catanzarite bound Fenner’s case over to Grand County District Court. Fenner is set to return to court at 10:15 a.m. Feb. 6. He remains in the Grand County Jail.


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

The Sky-Hi News strives to deliver powerful stories that spark emotion and focus on the place we live.

Over the past year, contributions from readers like you helped to fund some of our most important reporting, including coverage of the East Troublesome Fire.

If you value local journalism, consider making a contribution to our newsroom in support of the work we do.