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.
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