By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The Centralia man accused of torture and rape in the death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter was scheduled to make his plea in court today, but at the last minute his lawyer asked for a postponement.
James M. Reeder
Centralia attorney David Arcuri did not say why, when he and his client James M. Reeder appeared in Lewis County Superior Court this morning.
Arcuri told the judge that based on his interaction with Reeder “just now”, he wanted to request the hearing be set over one week.
“And because the defense may have other requests,” Arcuri said.
Reeder, 25, is charged with homicide by abuse and related charges, including possession of methamphetamine, following the May 24 death in Centralia of Koralynn Fister.
The toddler was pronounced dead at the hospital after he carried her to a home across the street, saying he stepped out from her bath briefly and returned to find her face down in the tub. Authorities said they found numerous injuries, including signs of rape.
Koralynn Fister
Reeder remains held in the Lewis County Jail on $5 million bail.
Elected Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer, who is handling the case for his office, asked the judge to sign an order allowing the child’s body to be released from the coroner.
Arcuri would only say after the brief hearing there are some important tasks an attorney needs to do before an arraignment can place.
For example, making sure the client understands the charges and is competent to stand trial, Arcuri said, noting those were only generic examples.
Arcuri is a court appointed attorney; he said Reeder has been unemployed for the past year.
Judge James Lawler agreed they would return to the courtroom next Thursday morning for arraignment and setting a trial date.
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For background, read “Father of Centralia toddler who died speaks out” from Saturday June 2, 2012, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
men go to jail dogs need to be put down……
He will NEVER get away with an insanity defense. In this state, you have to be unaware of the severity of your actions, or that you even committed a crime for that matter, to be considered “insane” at the time of commission of the crime. This sick fuck lied to police and tried to cover his tracks after the baby died. Basically, this alone is proof he was sane. Otherwise, he’d have stood there drooling unaware that he had done anything wrong. He showed a clear pattern of intent (I feel) by insisting the mother leave him alone with her. The signs of repeat trauma and abuse show that he knew exactly what he was doing and made great effort to continue. Trust me, he won’t get away with it. Rotting in Hell is much too merciful for this piece of shit.
This scumbag better not even try the insanity plea. What a liar he already is! If I can be any more sick and outraged, it would be if he and his dum defense try that. It is the cowardly way out of responsibility for many who well know what they were doing at the time. It better not happen…
So know we have to wait till next week. Just get over with it
Nice way to edit the picture, Sharyn. Maybe that will keep the comments on-topic. 😉