Trial begins for final murder suspect

Jury selection was scheduled to begin today for the final person facing murder charges in the death of Rachel Burkheimer.

John Alan Whitaker, 23, of Everett is charged with aggravated murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder. If convicted, he faces life in prison without release.

Opening statements in the trial are expected early next week.

Snohomish County prosecutors allege Whitaker belonged to an Everett-based crime gang that called itself the Northwest Mafia. Members of the group, in particular her former boyfriend John Anderson, became suspicious of Burkheimer, 18, of Marysville, after she was seen in the company of their rivals.

Burkheimer was kidnapped, beaten and killed Sept. 23, 2002. Her body was found buried in the Cascade Mountain foothills near Gold Bar.

Lawyers sparred Monday over what evidence will be presented to jurors during the trial.

Whitaker’s attorney, John Muenster, tried and failed to convince Superior Court Judge Linda Krese to dismiss the conspiracy charge. He argued there is insufficient evidence to support the contention that Whitaker acted in concert with others.

“He helped dig the grave,” deputy prosecutor Michael Downes countered.

The judge earlier ruled that statements Whitaker made to FBI agents at the time of his arrest will be admitted as evidence.

Whitaker said Anderson struck him and otherwise forced him into participating. He also said he tried to talk Anderson into releasing the young woman, according to court papers.

Jury selection is expected to take all week. Opening statements in the case aren’t expected before June 1.

Whitaker’s trial is the third in a series that began in March. It is expected to last until mid-June.

Last week, Anderson was convicted of aggravated murder and sentenced to life in prison.

Sentencing is scheduled Friday for Yusef “Kevin” Jihad, 34, of Everett, who was convicted in April of first-degree murder, kidnapping and conspiracy. Jihad was portrayed as ordering Burkheimer’s death. Witnesses testified Anderson carried out the killing.

Jihad was scheduled to appear in court today to argue that he deserves a new trial.

Reporter Scott North: 425-339-3431 or north@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

The Victorian home sits on Whidbey Island. (Alyse Young for The Washington Post)
Whidbey couple thought they found their dream home — then came the bats

The couple had no recourse after unknowingly buying a home infested with thousands of bats.

The Snohomish County Jail is pictured on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Report reveals cause of Everett man’s death in Snohomish County Jail

Terry Crusha was booked into the jail on May 17. He died three days later, part of a string of deaths there.

Boeing workers file into Angel of the Winds Arena to vote on the latest contract proposal from the company on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists prepare to go back to work after strike ends

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Relive ‘Twin Peaks’ with cherry pie and damn fine coffee at Twede’s Cafe

The North Bend cafe, known as Double R Diner on the campy cult-classic, serves up nostalgia and a damn good breakfast.

From left to right, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman. (Photos provided by the U.S. Navy)
Remains of Whidbey Island pilots to return this week

Lt. Cmdr Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman died in a crash on Oct. 15.

Everett
Everett men arrested in huge bust of Seattle drug ring

On Wednesday, investigators searched 31 locations, but suspects from Lynnwood and Edmonds remained at large, officials said.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council champions dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Ferguson, WA Democrats prepare for new era of showdowns with Trump

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson and Attorney General-elect Nick Brown are readying their legal teams.

Benson Boone (Photo provided by AEG Presents)
Monroe’s Benson Boone snags Grammy nomination for Best New Artist

The Monroe High grad this year has opened for Taylor Swift and won an MTV Video Music Award.

From left to right, Ron Muzzall and Janet St. Clair
Muzzall pulls ahead of St. Clair in tight WA Senate race

Incumbent state Sen. Ron Muzzall, a Republican, led by about 600 votes Thursday night.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood caregiver accused of $674K check fraud

Prosecutors allege Sheila Saluquen defrauded the elderly owner of a car dealership for over a year.

Deborah Rumbaugh
Stanwood-Camano School District superintendent resigns

Superintendent Deborah Rumbaugh said Tuesday she’ll be gone at the end of the school year.

Crews from Reece Construction Company mill asphalt off of Madison Avenue during the beginning of construction on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett shares details on upcoming budget cuts

Street improvements, libraries and communications could see significant cuts as the city tackles a deficit.

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.