Crime and Courts

Details unfold in Tuesday morning homicide in Billings

Posted: Dec 27, 2012 12:07 PM by MTN News
Updated: Dec 27, 2012 12:13 PM

BILLINGS - More details have emerged about a homicide that took place early Christmas Day in Billings Heights.

David Bruce Isaacson, 41, faces one count of deliberate homicide and one count of tampering with or fabricating physical evidence.

Isaacson admitted to using a .357 revolver to shoot and kill 34-year-old Sabah Mallak of Billings just before 1 a.m. that day. An investigation reveals Isaacson was in a long-term relationship with a woman, who was also, reportedly, in a relationship with Mallak.

According to Isaacson, Mallak was driving by their home early Christmas morning, which resulted in an argument with the woman. While he was in the bathroom, Isaacson said the woman left the house to meet Mallak.

Isaacson left the residence with his revolver and observed the woman talking to Mallak near the intersection of Linden and Galway. Mallak was in a vehicle and reportedly began to drive towards Isaacson. That's when Isaacson allegedly shot at the vehicle, causing Mallak to crash into a fence. Mallak exited the vehicle and Isaacson said he shot the victim multiple times.

An autopsy revealed Mallak had bullet wounds in the buttocks, the left side of his upper back and the center of his chest. A pathologist determined gun shots caused Mallak's death.

The .357 revolver was recovered from the Yellowstone River. It contained five spent shell casings.

Isaacson is expected to appear in Yellowstone County Justice Court for his initial appearance sometime this week.