Movie theater murder trial begins in Yakima

YAKIMA — A first-degree murder trial is underway for a 45-year-old man who allegedly shot his wife outside the Majestic theater in Union Gap in 2013.

The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that prosecutors painted John Munzanreder during opening statements as a calculating, unemotional man. They say he planned and carried out the shooting of Cynthia Kelley-Munzanreder. They say he shot her after one of his co-workers refused his offer of $20,000 to kill her.

Prosecutors say the co-worker will testify that Munzanreder gave him money to buy a firearm at a gun show in the Tri-Cities.

But Munzanreder’s lawyers say he cooperated with police. He even let detectives to swab his hands for gunshot residue.

The trial in Yakima County Superior Court is expected to last four to six weeks.

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