Separate Trials Wanted

The attorney for one of the youths charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a U.S. Forest Service engineer wants separate trials.

Eric Brown, 18, on Friday pleaded innocent in the April 26 slaying of David J. Wheeler of Baker City, Ore. Seventeen-year-old Ron Stiner told 3rd District Judge Dennis Goff he needed more time before entering a plea.

The two are accused of escaping from an Elmore County detention trailer, stealing a truck and driving to the Mann Creek area on the Payette National Forest.

Prosecutors say the two encountered Wheeler, who was shot in the head with a .357 magnum pistol.

Brown, 18, also pleaded innocent to grand theft.