Prosecutor Plea Bargains With Murder Suspect

Sun., Jan. 21, 1996

From Staff And Wire Reports

In a last-minute move before his trial was to begin next week, Stephen Duman pleaded guilty to randomly killing a Lewiston man while reportedly being high on methamphetamine.

In exchange for his plea Friday, Nez Perce County Prosecutor Denise Rosen has agreed to recommend a prison sentence of 10 years without parole, the minimum penalty for second-degree murder.

Rosen said she agreed to seek a lighter sentence because of the circumstances of the crime.

“This likely would not have happened without the meth inducement,” she said. “But regardless, it was second-degree murder.”

Duman, 24, allegedly was high on the drug when he was arrested on unrelated charges after the shooting.

The drug is said to produce paranoia and violence in users. He has no prior criminal record.

Second District Judge Ronald Schilling pointed out to Duman the court is not bound by the plea agreement and he could be sentenced to the maximum of life in prison.

Sentencing was set for March 8.

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Prosecutor Plea Bargains With Murder Suspect

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

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