Defense attorney John Crowley talks with his client Ricky A. Riffe and his paralegal Richard Davis while they wait for the judge this afternoon
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Accused double kidnapper and murderer Ricky A. Riffe appeared in Lewis County Superior Court this afternoon as lawyers continue to hash out issues of so-called discovery, that is documents and such collected in the case that must be shared with the defense.
Seattle-based attorney John Crowley repeated basically what he’s said more than once before to the judge, he wants copies of all evidence turned over to him as the rules prescribe, not an invitation to make an appointment to go visit them at the evidence locker where the materials are stored.
Lewis County Prosecutor Jonathan Meyer repeated what he said numerous times, he’s already turned over copies of everything they have.
The trial over the December 1985 shooting death of Ethel couple Ed and Wilhelmina Maurin is scheduled to begin the week of Oct. 7. Riffe, now 54, has been waiting in the Lewis County Jail for more than a year since his arrest in Alaska.
Today Crowley spoke of receiving low quality photocopies instead of reproductions of photos. He asked in his written motion for copies of the photo montages used by the sheriff’s office in which Riffe was not identified. They weren’t retained, he was told.
Crowley also asked for copies of whatever was shown to private investigators hired by former county commissioner Denny Hadaller – the grown son of one of the victims – suggesting a criminal rule which prohibits such sharing.
Crowley suggested Judge Richard Brosey should consider setting a cut off date for any further evidence to be produced.
For example, he told the judge, after the sheriff’s office learned previously the trial was postponed, they sent off a ladies wristwatch for DNA testing. It was suspected whoever moved Wilhelmina “Minnie” Maurin out of the car may have left traces, he said. But he still doesn’t have a copy of the results report from the state crime lab, he said.
Judge Brosey inquired about the report, and about the findings.
Meyer consulted with Lewis County Sheriff’s Office detective Bruce Kimsey sitting in the courtroom behind him.
“If Mr., detective Kimsey is thinking of the right report, there’s nothing that links Mr. Riffe to that watch,” Meyer said.
Brosey ordered prosecutors to turn over various items, including a copy of the complete computer hard drive.
The next hearing is set for Sept. 20 at 1:30 p.m. and expected to take all afternoon.
Prosecutors contend Riffe and his since-deceased brother John G. Riffe abducted the couple and forced them to withdraw money from their bank in Chehalis before shooting them and dumping their bodies near Adna. Ed Maurin was 81 and his wife was 83.
The attorneys have previously said the trial could last three to four weeks. Brosey told the two lawyers today that as they query prospective jurors about their ability to serve, he may tell them it could last four to six weeks.
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For background, read “Maurin homicide: Riffe pleads not guilty, his attorney hints at proof” from Thursday August 23, 2012, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter