Timeline: Biendl killing and Scherf trial

Published 10:21 am Wednesday, May 15, 2013

2011

Jan. 29: Monroe corrections officer Jayme Biendl found dead in the prison chapel at the Washington State Reformatory. Inmate Byron Scherf was named the prime suspect.

Feb. 1: Scherf moved to the Snohomish County Jail.

Feb. 8: More than 3,500 people attend a memorial service for Biendl at Comcast Arena in Everett.

March 11: Scherf charged with aggravated murder.

March 15: Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe announces he will seek the death penalty.

May 2: Defense lawyers file their first motion to strike the death penalty as possible punishment.

Sept. 28: The defense makes first request that Superior Court Judge Thomas Wynne step down.

2012

Jan. 29: About 500 people participate in a memorial run dedicated to Biendl.

January: Scherf’s lawyers ask Wynne to recuse himself for a second time.

March: Wynne steps down after defense files a third motion asking for a new judge. Superior Court Judge George Appel is appointed to preside over the trial.

June: Appel rules jurors can hear Scherf’s confession.

2013

March 12: Scherf’s defense team files a second motion to strike the death penalty.

April 2: About 270 potential jurors come to Comcast Arena in Everett to begin jury selection.

April 30: A jury is chosen.

May 1: Lawyers give opening statements.

May 9: Scherf is found guilty of aggravated first-degree murder. The jury deliberated for less than an hour.

Monday: Testimony starts in the trial’s penalty phase.

Wednesday: Jury decides Scherf should receive the death penalty.