Prosecutor says jail guard justified in fatally shooting inmate who took hostage

MONTESANO — Grays Harbor County Prosecutor Stew Menefee says a jail guard was justified in fatally shooting an inmate who took a woman hostage as he attempted to escape during a hospital visit in Aberdeen.

Menefee said Friday no charge would be filed against Sgt. James Byrd in the death of John G. Lies.

Byrd shot Lies Oct. 21 as he held a knife to the throat of the woman he took hostage in a parking lot.

The Daily World reports Lies had spent much of his life in prison and had been jailed for investigation of burglary and theft.

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Information from: The Daily World, http://www.thedailyworld.com

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