By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – James Reeder changed his mind.
The 26-year-old Centralia resident has been awaiting sentencing for the May death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter after pleading guilty last month.
The so-called Alford plea, in which he did not admit guilt, was part of deal which could get him a minimum of about three decades in prison and possibly remain there for life.
From the Lewis County Jail, Reeder penciled a two-page letter to Lewis County Superior Court Judge James Lawler asking to please be allowed to withdraw his plea, saying he has been telling his lawyer all along he wanted to take it to a trial.
Judge Lawler denied his request today.
Reeder pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to homicide by abuse, second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree rape of a child and possession of methamphetamine. The victim, Koralynn Fister, died May 24 in Centralia.
Reeder’s sentencing remains scheduled for March 6.
Attorneys are still waiting for a pre-sentencing investigation report from the state Department of Corrections.
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For background, read “Defendant in Koralynn Fister death pleads guilty” from Wednesday January 9, 2013, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter
The only reason I can fathom as to why he wants to go too trial is probably he figures he’s got nothing too lose. It’s hard to imagine evidence presented will lead to an aquital. And even if he is found guilty and say get’s at most Death,but more likely, life without possibility of parole, well, what would it matter. As either way once he’s locked up he’s going to have to get used to wearing his pants backwards.
I want to hear the evidence is this case. I think he did it because well….who else could have? The mom? I’d believe that too. She should be sitting next to Reeder. Damn it I want to hear what they have on him, don’t the rest of u? Obviously enough to make him plead guilty. I heard his DNA proved he molested her…anyone know if that’s true?
I see another appeal coming. If he is not allowed to change his mind and ask for for a trial after all he will be back in a few years for an appeal for “ineffective counsel”. Even though the evidence will be horrifying for jurors to see and hear this guy needs to be convicted outright and reduce this chance for an appeal.
Well DCE this is a good story but it is on the opinions page. And who says the people being executed are innocent? They say so? The inmates on death row claim their innocence? Imagine that…guess who else says he’s innocent?….Reeder. While I value all intelligent opinions (especially well researched ones like yours) I just can’t agree. He should be raped on death row then killed.
SMH Can u imagine what Texas thinks of us?
I can tell you what I think of Texas, they have the highest amount of Inocent people killed in any state of the union.
http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/09/09/they-messed-with-texas/
Look at it this way when he goes to prison and I am sure he will go to Walla Walla he better hope he is in real good protective custody. Guards can be paid off to turn there back in p.c. If he goes to general population he better hope he does not go to any tier higher then first floor. I hear anything above that hurts when you hit the floor over the railing. But know matter where he goes he will be someones bitch for awhile before death if anyone wants him. Hope he does not wear saggy pants….
Well sunshinegirl why can’t anyone in the judicial system see it? Why is she allowed to ruin another childs life and be free to produce more babies she will put in harms way? String that bitch up next to Reeder and give them neighboring cells in hell! At least we know both of them are going there when they die…hopefully someday soon. Why does he get to get out in 30 years? He can still get a hard on and abuse and kill babies in his 50s what the f*** is wrong with this world and the people in it??!! Why are we so afraid to use the death penalty in this state?! Can u imagine what Texas thinks of us?
Let him rot in hell
We see it SMH , we all see it. As usual we just can’t do anything about it but that Bitch better be under mass scrutiny if she still has custody of the other poor child, who also has the misfortune to be born to this animal. It is weird that there is no word on her. Anyone out there know? I have not heard a word in her defense either. This case sure brings out the rage in people though.Bet shes gone for good. My guess Reeder will get his in jail. Those kind of creatures don’t last long in prison, nor should they.
It should go to trial so we can all hear the evidence. Then again I do like the no appeal aspect of this plea…but this is gross misuse of the alford plea. Why does he get to plead guilty without admitting wrong doing? And I’m still losing sleep over the fact that Kora’s mother isnt his co-defendant. I feel bad for her other child. I bet Kora wishes she had a say in all this. Poor innocent baby. The mother is as directly responsible for her demise as Reeder….why can no one see this?