Two teens guilty in man’s murder

By Scott North

Herald Writer

Two teen-age cousins were convicted Friday of murdering an Everett man in April.

Kyle Boston, 15, of Arlington, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in the death of Jerry Heimann, 64.

Boston, whose case had earlier been ordered into adult court, faces from 10 years to 18 years in prison.

"I am sorry Mr. Heimann died and sorry for my participation in this crime," he said in a written plea.

Boston’s cousin, a 13-year-old Marysville boy, on Friday also was convicted of first-degree murder after a fact-finding hearing, the equivalent of a juvenile court trial.

Judge Charles French said the evidence was clear the boy planned and participated in the attack on Heimann, although others delivered the fatal blows with a baseball bat and knives. He also said there was evidence to convict the teen of second-degree murder, but the finding will have no effect on sentencing.

The youth, who is not being named by The Herald because he is still being legally treated as a child, faces anywhere from four years in a juvenile prison to a maximum of being locked up until he is 21.

Defense attorney Stephen Garvey said he fully expects his 13-year-old client will receive the maximum sentence and remain behind bars until he’s 21.

Prosecutors allege Heimann was the victim of a strange robbery plot that was hatched by an Everett woman and executed by her then-13-year-old daughter and four other teens.

Heather L. Opel and Marriam D. Oliver, both 14 and of Everett, still face prosecution as adults in Snohomish County Superior Court. If convicted of first-degree murder each faces a minimum of 20 years in prison. Along with Boston, their cases were moved to adult court in November after French ruled, for a variety of reasons, that justice and the community would be better served.

Another defendant, Jeff Grote, 17, Heather Opel’s former boyfriend, has pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and likely will be sentenced to 50 years in prison.

Heather Opel’s mother, Barbara, 38, of Everett, who had worked for Heimann, is charged with aggravated first-degree murder, and prosecutors are considering asking for the death penalty.

Heimann’s daughter, Kelly Muller, was in court Friday.

"I’m pleased with Judge French’s decisions," she said.

Sentencing for the 13-year-old is set for Dec. 21. Boston’s sentencing is scheduled for late June, a delay that reflects his promise to testify against co-defendants.

You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-343 or send e-mail to 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

Vernon Streeter looks over the fence at the Skykomish Substation operated by Puget Sound Energy on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Skykomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘Doesn’t make any sense’: Skykomish residents decry increased outages

Community members are frustrated about power outages and a lack of communication from Puget Sound Energy.

Glacier Peak, elevation 10,541 feet, in the Glacier Peak Wilderness of Mount Baker–Snoqualmie National Forest in Snohomish County, Washington. (Caleb Hutton / The Herald) 2019
2 years later, Glacier Peak seismometers delayed again

The U.S. Forest Service planned to install them in 2023. Now, officials are eyeing 2026.

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.

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
‘Very hostile work environment’: Stanwood-Camano school supe resigns

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

The I-5, Highway 529 and the BNSF railroad bridges cross over Union Slough as the main roadways for north and southbound traffic between Everett and Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
After a monthslong lane closure, Highway 529 bridge to reopen Monday

A five-month closure of the northbound bridge between Everett and Marysville has frustrated drivers. It’ll soon be over.

Melinda Grenier serves patrons at her coffee truck called Hay Girl Coffee during the third annual Arlington Pride event in Arlington, Washington on Sunday, June 2, 2024. (Annie Barker / The Herald)
After long waits for permits, Snohomish County vendors may find relief

Food truck owners can now, with conditions, get some temporary permit fees waived. But those conditions are difficult to meet.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Lake Stevens in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
1 dead after crash into pole in Lake Stevens

A man crashed at the intersection of 91st Avenue NE and Highway 204 just before 9 p.m. Wednesday, officials said.

Snohomish County Superior Courthouse in Everett, Washington on February 8, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
WA court system outage means firearm sales on hold

Buyers must wait until the Washington State Patrol can access databases for background checks.

Snohomish County Council listens to George Skiles talk about his findings in an audit of the Snohomish County Executive Office on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Audit questions hiring practices in Snohomish County exec’s office

The report was presented to the County Council on Wednesday. It includes several recommendations.

David Hope, a Everett AquaSox ticket holder since 1994, talks about the stadium proposal presented to the public during a community information session on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett residents voice support, concerns over AquaSox stadium

On Tuesday, the city presented potential plans for a new or renovated stadium and fielded questions.

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.