A Rigby resident has been arrested and charged with first-degree stalking in Bonneville County following a series of incidents at a victim’s residence over a single day in August.
Phoenix William Kinghorn, 24, was taken into custody after deputies responded to multiple calls involving unwanted visits to the same address. The charges stem from conduct that began after Kinghorn and the victim ended a romantic relationship in January, according to court records.
Pattern of Repeated Contact
Law enforcement first responded to the residence on a Sunday afternoon after Kinghorn was found inside the home uninvited, sitting on the victim’s couch. When deputies arrived, he initially refused to leave and did so only after officers ordered him to depart. Recognizing the escalating situation, deputies advised the victim to pursue a civil protection order.
Hours later that same evening, around 10 p.m., deputies were dispatched again to the same address. This time, Kinghorn was allegedly banging on the front door and windows. During this second encounter, deputies discovered Kinghorn was in possession of a Glock 17 handgun. The victim told law enforcement she felt afraid and uncomfortable even remaining in her own home.
The situation repeated the following morning at approximately 11 a.m. when deputies responded to a report that Kinghorn was sleeping in a vehicle parked outside the residence. Officers located him walking away from the front door. Kinghorn claimed he had been charging his phone on the victim’s back porch, though the legitimacy of that explanation has not been established in court.
Felony Charge and Next Steps
Kinghorn faces one count of first-degree stalking, a felony offense. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching $10,000. He is being represented by a public defender.
A preliminary hearing in the case is scheduled for September 1, during which a judge will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial. Kinghorn remains in the Bonneville County custody system pending that hearing.
The case highlights the escalating nature of stalking behavior and the importance of documented law enforcement response in establishing a pattern of unwanted contact. Victims of harassment or stalking in Idaho can seek civil protection orders through the court system, a step recommended to this victim by the deputies who responded to the calls.
What Comes Next
The preliminary hearing on September 1 will be a critical juncture in the case. At that hearing, prosecutors will present evidence of the incidents that led to charges, and Kinghorn’s attorney will have the opportunity to challenge that evidence. The outcome will determine whether the case advances to district court for trial or faces other disposition.