Twin Falls Man in Court Accused of Killing Elderly Woman

TWIN FALLS, Id. (KMVT-KSVT) An 86 year old Twin Falls man accused of first degree murder appeared in court for the first time Thursday.

Paul Robert Welch is accused of shooting Barbara Sue Chitwood in the head multiple times on August 21st. Due to the injuries he sustained in the incident, Welch was unable to appear in court until Thursday. Welch was made aware of his charges, which carry the chance of life in prison. The state is also seeking an enhanced penalty that could add another 15 years.

Welch would have to serve at least 10 years of that sentence before he is eligible for parole. No bond was set in the case and Welch will remain in the custody of the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office. A preliminary hearing has been set for September 4th.