Crenshaw double-murder trial delayed, again
The trial of young man accused of a grisly double murd
er has been postponed.
Jury selection in the trial Justin W. Crenshaw, 22, is now set to begin on June 28 - more than two years after investigators say he stabbed Sarah A. Clark and Tanner E. Pehl to death, then tried torching the home to cover the crime.
Trial was scheduled for May 3, but Crenshaw's lawyer, Chris Bugbee, requested an extension because a report on tests Crenshaw underwent in Western Washignton isn't ready. Prosecutors also need time to have the report reviewed by an expert.
Crenshaw is charged with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder, which carries a mandatory life sentence without parole if convicted.
The original aggravating factor charges that the murders were "part of a common scheme or plan." Prosecutors recently amended the charge to include a second aggravating factor - deliberate cruelty.
Pehl and Clark were found dead in Pehl's home on Elm Street in north Spokane on Feb. 28, 2008. Crenshaw was arrested later that day.
Nov. 6, 2009: Judge rules on evidence in Crenshaw trial.
Oct. 16, 2009: Motion to suppress filed in Elm Street homicides
Sept. 9, 2009: Crenshaw double-murder trial delayed.
Sept. 4, 2009: Detectives just now examining Crenshaw's cell phone
July 9, 2008: Murder defendant will get new attorney
March 5, 2008: Murder suspect trying to better life, friend says
March 1, 2008: Friends remember slain Mead High senior