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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Judge: Avondre Graham can stand trial

Avondre Graham is led from the courtroom,  Sept. 24, 2013, after Spokane County Superior Court Judge Maryann C. Moreno ruled Graham is competent to stand trial for the killing of Sharlotte McGill on May 3, 2013, near the Spokane River. (Dan Pelle / The Spokesman-reivew)
From staff reports
A Spokane County Superior Court judge has ruled that a young man accused of killing a woman as she walked her dog along the Spokane River last year is competent and can stand trial for second-degree murder. Judge Maryann C. Moreno made the ruling today in the case regarding Avondre Graham, 18, who is accused of killing Sharlotte McGill on May 3, 2012. Graham’s defense lawyer described his client as incapable of understanding the proceedings against him and unable to assist in his own defense. Prosecutors, however, argued that tests showed Graham has a basic comprehension of the legal system and has an ability to learn.