Arson Suspect Pang May Seek New Venue

Sat., Dec. 20, 1997

Associated Press

Lawyers for accused arsonist Martin Pang may seek a change of venue for his trial on charges he set a family warehouse ablaze in 1995 - a fire that killed four city firefighters.

A King County Superior Court Judge set a change of venue hearing for Jan. 16.

Defense attorney Tim Dole said they’ll decide then where the trial will be. The judge also will decide what questions may be asked of prospective jurors.

Pang remains in jail on $5 million bond.

King County Superior Court Judge Larry Jordan on Friday also separated the murder and arson charges filed against Pang, a move that King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng had said he would seek.

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday that Pang can only be tried for arson under conditions set for his extradition from Brazil, where he fled after the blaze.

Maleng has said he would oppose outright dismissal of the charges.

He has declined to say whether prosecutors are considering an attempt to refile murder charges. Under extradition law, Pang could be released and given freedom to seek residence in another country.

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