Trial begins for man accused of attempted murder, rape

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, January 18, 2017

EDMONDS — Jurors heard two stories Tuesday about a man who allegedly tried to rape and kill a woman along a secluded stretch of beach near Edmonds.

Charles Frank Fisher, 60, of Edmonds, is charged with attempted first-degree murder and attempted second-degree rape. Opening statements in his trial were made Tuesday.

On June 26, 2016, a woman in her 40s was walking along the shore at the Marina Beach Park between Woodway and Edmonds. A man reportedly approached her, grabbed her arm and punched her in the face, according to court documents. She was knocked down.

The woman said Fisher began hitting her with what she believed was a rock.

A couple walking nearby heard screams. The woman eventually broke free and ran to them. Fisher is said to have passed the three of them as he walked away.

A police dog tracked him down soon thereafter. His clothes were wet and covered in sand, prosecutors allege.

Fisher’s defense attorney on Tuesday urged jurors to keep an open mind. She said the evidence doesn’t match the allegations.

The trial is set to resume Wednesday and may stretch into next week.