Arrasmith Faces Silence Prosecutor Wants Gag Order Against Accused

Nez Perce County Prosecutor Denise Rosen wants an order prohibiting accused killer Kenneth Arrasmith and potential witnesses from speaking publicly about the slayings of a Clarkston, Wash., couple.

Arrasmith’s trial on two counts of first-degree murder is scheduled to begin Nov. 6. He is accused of killing Ronald and Luella Bingham after they allegedly sexually abused his daughter. They were shot on May 17 in a Lewiston auto repair shop where Ronald Bingham worked.

Rosen contends Arrasmith and his attorneys are trying the case in the media before the trial by focusing on the victims.

“If this type of media hype continues, it will be impossible to preserve a sufficient jury pool from which 12 unbiased citizens can be selected to give both the people and the defendant a fair trial,” Rosen wrote in her court motion.

Most of the coverage has portrayed Arrasmith, 44, a former Asotin County, Wash., sheriff’s deputy, as an avenging hero who took justice in his own hands after law enforcement did nothing to stop the abuse by the Binghams.

Besides a gag order, the prosecutor also wants a jury selected from outside Nez Perce County and to exclude from the trial all evidence of the Binghams’ character or alleged acts.

Since his arrest, Arrasmith’s supporters say at least 20 other women have come forward claiming to have been raped by the Binghams.

Lewiston Morning Tribune managing editor Paul Emerson said he was skeptical of Rosen’s move.

“If you can impanel a jury for a Jeffrey Dahmer case or a Rodney King or O.J. Simpson case, I’m sure you could find an impartial jury to try Ken Arrasmith,” Emerson said.

Rosen’s motions will be argued Tuesday before 2nd District Judge Ida Leggett.

In 1986, Ronald Bingham pleaded guilty to the rape of their 16-year-old baby sitter in exchange for the charge against his wife being dropped. He served 18 months in prison.