PORTLAND, Ore. — A man accused of a Northwest string of crimes that began in Everett and claimed four lives has won the right to represent himself.
The Oregonian reported a federal judge in Portland told David “Joey” Pedersen that he believes it’s a bad idea for him to serve as his own lawyer. But he agreed after Pedersen confirmed that he understands the charges and that he could face the death penalty.
Pedersen and Holly Ann Grigsby are awaiting trial on federal charges of kidnapping, carjacking and murder. They are accused of killing a man on the Oregon coast and another man in Northern California.
Pedersen previously pleaded guilty to two counts of aggravated murder for the 2011 slaying of his father and stepmother in Everett.
Authorities say the killings were part of a white supremacist scheme.
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Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com
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