EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — The prosecutor is moving closer to a decision on whether to seek the death penalty for an inmate accused of strangling a correctional officer at the Washington prison at Monroe.
The Daily Herald of Everett reports Snohomish County Prosecutor Mark Roe is discussing the case Wednesday with senior deputy prosecutors and meeting with the family of Jayme Biendl. She was strangled Jan. 29 in the prison chapel.
A 52-year-old inmate, Byron Scherf, has been charged with aggravated murder in Everett District Court. Prosecutors have until Friday to refile the charge in Snohomish County Superior Court. Scherf could be arraigned as soon as March 15. Then, Roe would have 30 days to make the death penalty decision.
Scherf’s lawyer is expected to ask for more time to compile mitigating information.
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Information from: The Daily Herald, http://www.heraldnet.com
