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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Man’s 50-year murder sentence cut in half

Clifford M. Meyers, found guilty of the execution-style killing of 22-year-old Elijah Bishop in the Shadle Wal-Mart parking lot in 2005, has had his original 50-year prison sentence cut in half.

Meyers was one of several who had his conviction reversed because some jurors were questioned in private, which the Court of Appeals ruled violated his right to a public trial.

Instead of a second trial, Meyers pleaded guilty to first-degree murder last month in exchange for a exceptional sentence of 25 years, which is below the standard sentencing range. Prosecutors also dropped a charge of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm as part of the deal.

Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell said prosecutors decided on the plea deal partly because Meyers is suffering from severe health issues and is only expected to live another three to five years.

“He will likely not live through the sentence he has,” Haskell said.

Prosecutors also consulted with the victim’s mother before making the plea deal, he said.

“She didn’t want anything to do with another trial,” Haskell said.