By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – The lawyer representing one of the two men accused in last month’s triple-homicide told a judge yesterday he didn’t see enough evidence to warrant his client being charged.
Olympia attorney Rick Cordes suggested after a brief hearing in Lewis County Superior Court that Ryan J. McCarthy shouldn’t be involved in the case.
Ryan J. McCarthy
“I don’t think there’s enough in the probable cause statement to charge my client,” Cordes said. “Mere presence at a crime isn’t enough.”
The lawyer’s argument had been cut short in the Chehalis courtroom moments earlier as Judge James Lawler proceeded with the reason for the hearing.
McCarthy and John Allen Booth Jr. pleaded not guilty in separate appearances late yesterday in the packed courtroom.
They are charged with first-degree murder and extortion in connection with the deaths of David J. West Jr., 16, his father David J. West Sr. 52, and Tony E. Williams, 50, of Randle. Additionally, Booth is charged with attempted murder of 51-year-old Denise Salts.
All four were found shot in the head early on Aug. 21 inside the West’s Salkum-Onalaska area home.
John Allen Booth Jr.
Both men were shackled and appeared to listen attentively as Judge Lawler asked for their pleas.
Extra jail guards and several sheriff’s deputies were on hand as the audience included both family members of the accused and of the victims.
Olympia attorney James Dixon represented Booth during the arraignment.
Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Brad Meagher told the judge he’d like to wait until Sept. 23 to select a trial date.
He asked for the delay because prosecutors are still considering increasing the charges, he said.
They need time to conduct what Meagher called a “proportionality conversation.” Before prosecutors can charge an individual with first-degree aggravated murder, the elected prosecutor must consult with other elected prosecutors around the state, according to Meagher.
With an aggravated murder charge comes a decision about whether to seek the death penalty.
The two men, described in a court document as former prison cell mates and best friends, remain in the Lewis County Jail.
Booth, 31, originally from Onalaska is held on $10 million bail. McCarthy, 28, is held on $2 million.
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Read story from McCarthy’s first appearance in court here. Read about Booth’s first appearance in court here.
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter