Murder suspect wants Cocoa Puffs in jail

The wheels of justice have been slowed by Cocoa Puffs.

Lawyers on Monday spent more than two hours arguing over whether a woman charged with aggravated murder should have access to coffee, tea, Cocoa Puffs and candy bars while she’s locked up in the Snohomish County Jail.

More than two hours. That’s not a typo. And they’re still not done arguing over snacks. Another hearing is scheduled for March, when a judge is expected to decide if jail staff must allow the woman access to the jail’s commissary.

There’s no doubt that aggravated murder cases are complicated, highly-litigated and often require numerous pre-trial hearings. Those hearings usually focus on protecting the defendant’s rights to a fair trial – not their choice of snacks.

But attorneys for both Holly Grigsby and David “Joey” Pedersen have filed motions complaining about jail conditions, mainly that their clients are cut off from the jail store and can’t supplement the three meals a day they’re provided.

The pair are accused of killing David “Red” Pedersen and his wife, DeeDee , of Everett last fall. Investigators also believe they killed two other people — an Oregon teenager and a disabled California man – before their capture in northern California.

The Oregon couple have ties to white supremacist groups. Grigsby allegedly has made statements that the Oregon teen, Cody Myers was killed because he had a “Jewish sounding” last name. Meyers was a Christian. Grigsby also has allegedly made statements that Reginald Clark was shot to death in California because she believed he had a drug problem. Clark was black.

Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe is expected to decide by April 20 if he’ll seek the death penalty for pair.

At a hearing Monday, Pedersen and Grigsby, both in shackles, flirted with each other. He winked. She smiled. Jail officials testified that the pair were immediately classified as maximum security inmates because of the nature of the charges against them and the possibility that prosecutors may seek the death penalty. Jail staff also considered their flight from justice spanning three states, the potential for similar charges out of Oregon and California and the media attention that the case attracted.

They both gave interviews to reporters while sitting in a California jail awaiting extradition to Washington. At least one Oregon newspaper reporter tried to set up interviews with the pair at the jail here.

The maximum security classification meant that Pedersen was denied access to the jail’s store. The jail also changed their policy in December for high-security risk female inmates, cutting them off from making purchases from the commissary and bringing the policy more in line with the male population.

Jail staff say allowing inmates, like Pedersen and Grigsby, access to snacks is a security issue. Yes, crooks can abuse access to a Snickers, using it to barter with other inmates for favors. Sugary snacks also can be used for making jailhouse hooch – a crude form of alcohol.

Grigsby has received several violations since she’s been incarcerated, including trying to brew alcohol in her cell and trying to communicate with Pedersen through a reverse mail scam.

She’s now jonesing for Cocoa Puffs and coffee.

Defense attorney Pete Mazzone, in a lengthy soliloquy, argued that it’s against his client’s constitutional rights to deny her access to the commissary based on the nature of the charge against her. He complained that she has no way to change her security classification. He tried to debunk the notion that a bowl of cereal and an Almond Joy are security risks.

Grigsby had something taken away from her and she has no say in the matter, Mazzone said.

DeeDee Pedersen’s daughter and friends were in the courtroom on Monday.

Superior Court Judge Linda Krese is expected to hear testimony on behalf of Pedersen in March. He’s back from Western State Hospital but there’s no word on whether he’s been deemed competent to stand trial. His lawyers want him to testify about the jail conditions. Krese won’t take testimony from him until she knows that he’s competent.

The judge said she’ll make a decision in March. In the meantime, she said it would be helpful to know what items inmates can purchase.

That’ll make hearing No. 3.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Want coffee? Drink some with the Marysville mayor.

A casual question-and-answer session between mayor and constituents is planned for March 24.

Judge sentences man for role in human smuggling ring

Jesus Ortiz-Plata was arrested in Everett in May 2024. A U.S. District Court judge sentenced him to 15 months in prison.

Bill Wood, right, Donnie Griffin, center right, and Steve Hatzenbeler, left, listen and talk with South County Fire Chief Bob Eastman, center left, during an Edmonds Civic Roundtable event to discuss the RFA annexation on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds community discusses annexation into the regional fire authority

About 100 residents attended the Edmonds Civic Roundtable discussion in preparation for the April special election.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Timothy Evans, a volunteer at the east Everett cold weather shelter, with his dog Hammer on Monday, Feb. 10 in Everett, Washington. (Will Geschke / The Herald)
Temporary shelter opens in Everett during unusually cold weather

The shelter will open nightly until Feb. 14. Help is needed at the new location, as well as six others across the county.

Outside of the updated section of Lake Stevens High School on Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020 in Lake Stevens, Wa. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lake Stevens schools bond leading early; Arlington voters reject latest levy attempt

A $314 million bond looks to pass while Arlington’s attempts to build a new Post Middle School again appear to take a step back.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.