Two Pierce County teenagers accused of killing a Snohomish man were assigned October trial dates Monday, but both their defense lawyers indicated the clients may plead guilty, possibly before then.
Jeremy Richard Boone, 16, of Sumner, and Perry Marshall Rothermel, 18, of Puyallup both pleaded innocent Monday at arraignment in Snohomish County Superior Court.
The pleas are likely to change in the next few weeks, lawyers said.
Boone is accused of repeatedly shooting Larry Kloes, 49, and stealing his car and guns. Rothermel is accused of participating in the killing by clubbing Kloes with a baseball bat, and of taking part in the theft.
A third teen, just 15, is being held at the Denney Juvenile Justice Center accused of planning the death – revenge allegedly because Kloes once turned the teen in to police for stealing, deputy prosecutor Matt Hunter said.
Caroline Mann, a public defender, told Judge James Allendoerfer that the Oct. 8 trial date may well be unnecessary because the case could be settled by then.
Steve Garvey, Boone’s Everett lawyer was more blunt.
The case “likely will be disposed of prior to the date of trial,” Garvey said. “I think this case will probably be resolved prior to Oct. 8.”
A pre-trial hearing for both was set for Sept. 16. Both are being held on $1 million bail.
Rothermel appeared via a video monitor from the county jail, where he is being held. Boone, who is being housed at the juvenile justice center, was brought straight to the courtroom to stand before Allendoerfer for arraignment.
State law requires those age 16 or older to be treated as adults when charged with serious crimes such as murder. They face the same charges and penalties as adults.
A hearing is set for early November to determine if the 15-year-old will remain in juvenile court – where penalties are less severe – or be tried as an adult.
Rothermel and Boone are accused of first-degree murder, first-degree burglary and first-degree robbery.
In juvenile court, the 15-year-old is accused of aggravated first-degree murder.
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