PORTLAND, Ore. — Two white supremacists won’t face the death penalty for a 2011 crime spree that left four people dead, including an Everett couple.
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder made the decision. A notice was filed Friday in federal court in Oregon. No explanation was given. U.S. Attorney Amanda Marshall said the process leading to Holder’s decision was confidential.
David “Joey” Pedersen, 32, and Holly Grigsby, 28, both of Oregon, face more than a dozen charges, including allegations that they murdered and kidnapped Pedersen’s father, David “Red” Pedersen and his wife, Leslie “DeeDee” Pedersen, both of Everett.
They also are accused of murdering, kidnapping and robbing two other men, Cody Myers and Reginald Clark.
Federal authorities allege that the Oregon couple were members of a criminal enterprise targeting Jewish leaders, members of prominent Jewish organizations and other “Zionists.” The pair used the media to publicize their hate-filled message in hopes of sparking a revolution, according to a 24-page indictment filed in U.S. District Court in Portland, Ore.
Joey Pedersen already is serving two life sentences for murdering his father and DeeDee Pedersen. He pleaded guilty in 2012 in Snohomish County Superior Court.
Grigsby is accused of killing DeeDee Pedersen. She was awaiting trial when the couple was indicted on the federal charges.
Their trial is scheduled for July.
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