BOISE, Idaho — A Meridian man accused of shooting his wife to death and hiding her body in a bathroom for hours stood silent in court Thursday, prompting a judge to enter a not-guilty plea on his behalf.
Eric James Steiner, 42, is charged with first-degree murder and a weapons enhancement in the death of his wife, 41-year-old Christine Steiner.
Despite the not guilty plea, Steiner has already admitted to the shooting, police say. According to investigators, the suspect dialed 911 about six hours after pulling the trigger, telling dispatchers he had killed his wife.
The shooting happened at about 3:30 p.m. March 5 at the gray home the Steiner and his wife shared on Chateau Drive in Meridian. The couple's 4-year-old son was at daycare at the time, and a 17-year-old exchange student who was living with the Steiners was at school.
When the children got home, Steiner told them that Christine Steiner was feeling unwell and was taking a nap. He was taken into custody without incident that night after confessing to dispatchers, and has remained in jail on a $2 million bond ever since.
Steiner's trial is set for Nov. 4.
If convicted of first-degree murder, Steiner will face either life in prison or the death penalty. Thursday's plea entry starts the clock on the death penalty decision; prosecutors have sixty days to inform the judge whether or not they will seek execution in the case.
If you or someone you know are a victim of domestic violence, please reach out for help.
Faces of Hope is open 24/7 and provides completely free services. Help is also available through the Women's and Children's Alliance hotline at 208-343-7025 or the National Domestic Violence hotline at 1-800-799-7233.