Man pleads in ‘84 case

MOUNT VERNON, Wash. — A Puyallup man has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder in the 1984 killing of a Sedro-Woolley man believed to have been bludgeoned with a chunk of wood.

Marcus Everett, 42, entered his plea in Skagit County Superior Court on Thursday and was ordered held on $1 million bail. He could face life in prison if convicted.

Prosecutors say he told a police detective last month that he killed 22-year-old Randy Soderberg.

Everett reportedly took a drive with Soderberg after arranging to meet him on July 10, 1984, at a Mount Vernon auto parts store to buy Soderberg’s Ford Mustang.

That was the last time Soderberg was seen alive.

Earlier this month, remains and clothing were found in a wooded area off South Skagit Highway where Everett allegedly told police they would find Soderberg’s body.

The remains have not yet been positively identified.