Triple Killing Trial Set for 2014
Total Page:16
File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb
C M C M Y K Y K FINALLY HOME Kidnapped girl home with family, A6 W orld Cl New E assified mploym s ent Ra Small te Busi and S ness eason Emplo al yment Call 541-2 Valer 69-12 ie 22 ex t. 269 Serving Oregon’s South Coast Since 1878 TUESDAY,AUGUST 13, 2013 Defendant takes plea deal in February murder case BY GEORGE ARTSITAS take a plea that stipulated he’ll most At this point, Frasier isn’t sure how The World likely serve a 10-year prison sentence. he’ll be able to use Gertson’s testimo- “Quite frankly,” District Attorney ny, if at all. COQUILLE — The resolution of Paul Frasier said, “when he said ‘I’ll do “I don’t know what he’s going to Michael Gertson’s murder charges it,’ we got him into court before he say,” Frasier said. “Sometimes it came six months early, agreeing to a could change his mind.” makes people more resolute.” plea bargain more than six months Along with Gertson, George Ivanoff Gertson is set to be sentenced on before his trial was set to start. and Jesse Longhenry are also charged Aug. 26. Frasier knows his work on the Gertson, 32, agreed Monday to with murder for Hayes’ death. While it death of Hayes is not over and can’t be plead guilty to second-degree was not a direct bargaining chip dur- positive that Gertson will be the game- manslaughter for the killing of Jesse ing the plea bargain, Gertson cannot changing witness that he could be. By Alysha Beck, The World Hayes in February. plead the fifth and may be used as a “We’ll just have to wait and see,” Michael Gertson, left, seen here in March, took a plea bargain on Monday. Gertson was expected to stand trial witness against the two other sus- Frasier said. “I got two more people I Gertson plead guilty to second-degree manslaughter charges. starting Feb. 6 but chose instead to pects. got to worry about.” Triple Taking the field killing trial set for 2014 I Edward Nelson is accused of killing his wife and neighbors in Bridge BY GEORGE ARTSITAS The World COQUILLE — The suspect in the June triple homicide and arson in By Alysha Beck, The World Bridge has a trial date set for nearly a Sophomore Janey Suppes leads the Marshfield High School marching band as co-drum major during its first practice on the football field Monday afternoon. year from now. Edward Lawrence Nelson, is charged with killing his wife, Kath- leen, and next door neighbors, Renae and Lola Cottam, as well as burning down their two houses and a wood- Former DA working shop on June 15. His trial will begin July 1, 2014. Nelson, 65, is charged with six sues Coquille counts of aggravated murder and three counts of first-degree arson. over DUII Aggravated murder is punishable by the death penalty in Oregon. Coos County District Attorney Paul Frasier EUGENE (AP) — The former district will have until New Year’s Eve to attorney of Coos County has sued the decide if he will pursue that penalty in city of Coquille, its police chief and an this case. officer over a disputed drunken driving When Frasier requested four weeks arrest two years ago. for the trial, Duane McCabe and Paul Burgett, who retired in 2007, Geoffrey Gokey didn’t agree it would was arrested in 2011, but the attorney be long enough. general’s office recommended not “That’s probably short,” the going through with the case, The defense opined. Register-Guard reported Monday. The defense initially requested six to After he was taken to the police sta- eight weeks, but Judge Richard L. Bar- tion, Burgett took a breath test that put his blood alcohol level at .04 percent. ron agreed to schedule the entire By Alysha Beck, The World month of July as a tentative schedule, Ross Tomlin sits in his corner office at the top of Tioga Hall on the SWOCC campus.Tomlin is the new vice president Drivers can be convicted even if they test below the .08 percent threshold, with more time allowed if needed. This of instruction at the college. murder trial could potentially be Frasi- but officers have to prove impairment. er’s longest, with no other in his career The lawsuit says Police Chief Janis going more than around three weeks. Blue told reporters Burgett failed the Frasier’s last two murder trials — New VP at SWOCC sobriety tests and was impaired. It one for aggravated murder — have accuses her of making a deliberately lasted a total of seven days combined. false statement to justify the traffic In court, Nelson didn’t sulk as he BY EMILY THORNTON Community College in Con- he lived in Roseburg and stop and arrest. had in hearings past, but actually The World necticut, where he was presi- worked for Umpqua Commu- The suit says Burgett told the officer appeared comfortable on the bench, dent for three years. He nity College as the vice presi- that sobriety tests would not be effec- even allowing himself a few smiles COOS BAY — Southwestern replaces Phillip Anderson, dent of instruction. He was tive because of his age, then 63, and while talking to his attorneys. Oregon Community College who retired after 35 years at instructional dean at Central physical limitations, which included a His omnibus hearing, in which the has a new vice president of SWOCC. Oregon Community College. torn Achilles tendon and a pinched defense will argue the constitutional- instruction and student servic- Tomlin has spent more than He was dean for the center of neck nerve. It says the officer, Sean ity of the First Amendment for the es. 30 years at community col- science, industry and natural Sanborn, insisted on them, and then death penalty, will be held for two Ross Tomlin joins the staff leges in teaching and adminis- days starting Jan 16. from Quinebaugh Valley tration. Before Connecticut, SEE TOMLIN | A8 SEE BURGETT | A8 Police reports . A2 Sports . B1 T S S Janice Rucker, Coos Bay E Virginia Reynolds, Coos Bay A H D What’s Up. A3 Classifieds . C3 Norman Schroeder, Coquille I Bobby Fraser, Coos Bay C T E A S South Coast. A3 Comics . C6 Arthur Ellingson, Coquille Mostly sunny E | Obituaries A5 R N Rose Duvall, North Bend 67/52 I D Opinion. A4 Puzzles. C6 O F Weather | A8 Evenings & Saturday by ience Appointment! Exper MCoosor County’se first licensed denturist. Sam Simon, L.D. Certified Swiss Clinician Value Better Choose a high quality economy model or the most elite dentures available. ip ior Craftsmansh SupAdvanceder training in the latest techniques. A certified Swiss Denture Specialist. 2495 Newmark Ave., North Bend • 541-756-2121 “Call for Free Consultation” C M C M Y K Y K C M C M Y K A2 •The World • Tuesday, August 13,2013 Y K South Coast Executive Editor Larry Campbell • 541-269-1222, ext. 251 theworldlink.com/news/local Sanderlin arraigned Thefts & Mischief COOS COUNTY Aug. 11, 2:48 p.m., found a bicycle, 1900 block of in sex abuse case Aug. 11, 12:48 a.m., disorder- North 12th Street. ly conduct, 93600 block of Cleveland Lane. Aug. 11, 5:21 p.m., theft, BY GEORGE ARTSITAS Sanderlin was admitted to Bay Area 1100 block of Anderson The World Hospital emergency room on July 24 Aug. 11. 7:45 a.m., narcotics Avenue. after the attack because he was thinking investigation, 55200 block COQUILLE — A 53-year-old Coquille about committing suicide and wanted a of Rosa Road. Aug. 11, 6:10 p.m., report of man has been charged with first-degree mental evaluation. stolen bike that was recov- Aug. 11, 12:34 p.m., harass- ered earlier, 2100 block of sodomy and first-degree sexual abuse Sanderlin also admitted to watching ment, 200 block of East Koos Bay Boulevard. after admitting to having sexual rela- teenage porn for approximately the past Second Street. Aug. 11, 7:48 p.m., man tions with an elementary-aged girl. three years but didn’t believe that had a Aug. 11, 1:28 p.m., threats, Richard James Sanderlin was denied part in him allegedly committing the arrested for violation of a 96000 block of Stock restraining order, 100 block By Lou Sennick, The World release at his preliminary hearing on Fri- crime. Slough Road. Richard James Sanderlin stands before Circuit day. His next court date will be on Aug. 28. of Hull Street. Court Judge Michael Gillespie Friday morning. According to court documents, His bail is set at $250,000. Aug. 11, 4:00 p.m., menac- ing, 93700 block of Shut- NORTH BEND ters Landing Lane. Aug. 11, 12:20 a.m., prowler, Meetings Aug. 11, 4:13 p.m., criminal 3100 block of Sheridan Reunions mischief, 97400 block of Avenue. TODAY 835 California St., North Bend; Kadora Lane. p.m. Aug. 20. Aug. 11, 12:58 a.m., man Marshfield High regular meeting. Aug. 11, 9:32 p.m., unlawful Fore more information Cammann Road District — 2 p.m., warned for possession of School Class of ’63 North Bend Urban Renewal Agency entry into a motor vehicle, less than an ounce of mari- call Rich Rankin at 503- 64593 Cammann Road, Coos Bay; Marshfield High School regular meeting. — 8 p.m., city hall, council cham- Chuck Braclin Trucking. juana, The Mill. 543-6305 or Jake Hash- bers, 835 California St., North class of 1963 will hold their Aug. 11, 4:10 a.m., officer 50th year reunion Aug.