Bishops ask Gregoire to stop man’s execution
SEATTLE — The state’s Roman Catholic bishops are asking Gov. Chris Gregoire to commute the death sentence of Darold Ray Stenson.
The three bishops, representing Catholic dioceses in Seattle, Spokane and Yakima, are asking that Stenson instead receive life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Stenson, 55, is set to be executed Dec. 3. He was convicted of aggravated murder for the 1993 shooting deaths of his wife and a business partner while his three young children slept nearby in his Clallam County farmhouse.
Gregoire’s spokesman, Pearse Edwards, said Monday the governor was reserving comment until she reviews the letter.
The bishops wrote that while they understand the responsibility of the state to punish Stenson, “there remains no moral justification for imposing a sentence of death.”
Tukwila: Suspect sought in mall shooting
Police say they have identified a suspect in the shooting at Southcenter mall in Tukwila and hope to make an arrest soon.
A spokesman, Mike Murphy, said they’re trying to locate the man, who is still at large. He would not say what connection the man had to the victims of Saturday’s shooting.
The shooting killed 16-year-old Daiquan Jones, wounded 15-year-old Jermaine McGowan and panicked shoppers. The suspect was described as a man in his late teens or early 20s.
Olympia: Cities can add $20 car tab fee
Olympia might be the first city in Washington to use a state law that allows a $20 fee on vehicle registrations without a public vote.
City officials say they need the money to maintain streets.
Tim Eyman, who led initiative campaigns to lower car tab fees, said he would show up at hearing today in Olympia. He criticized the city council for calling the hearing two days before Thanksgiving.
The Olympian reported the Legislature authorized a $20 fee last year for municipal transportation needs.
The Seattle suburb of Lake Forest Park also is considering the new car tab fee.
Idaho: Judge dismisses Joseph Duncan appeal
A federal judge has dismissed an appeal notice filed on behalf of Joseph Edward Duncan III, after the killer said he did not want to challenge his conviction or death sentences.
U.S. District Judge Edward Lodge determined Monday that Duncan understands the consequences of waiving his constitutional right to have his case reviewed by appellate courts.
The judge dismissed a notice of intent to appeal filed earlier this month by Duncan’s standby lawyers.
Duncan, 45, was given three death penalty sentences and three life terms in August for the 2005 kidnapping, sexual abuse and torture of 9-year-old Dylan Groene and his 8-year-old sister Shasta, as well as Dylan’s murder.
Associated Press
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