James Wells pleads not guilty in killing

Wed., Dec. 29, 2004

Associated Press

MOSCOW, Idaho – James J. Wells, one of two Seattle brothers accused of fatally shooting University of Idaho football player Eric McMillan, has pleaded not guilty in 2nd District Court.

Six other people – most of them Wells’ family members – also made initial appearances Monday on charges of lying to a grand jury.

The six were assigned public defenders and released after posting bond. They are scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 3.

“Not guilty, sir,” Wells, 25, said twice when asked for a plea by District Judge John Bradbury of Grangeville.

Wells initially fought extradition while being held in Whitman County, Wash. He is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy.

Also facing the same charges is his brother Matthew R. Wells II, 27, also of Seattle.

Thomas J. Riggins, 23, a nephew of the Wells brothers from Kent, Wash., has been charged with conspiracy and being a principal to first-degree murder.

All three are scheduled to face trial together on April 25.

McMillan, 19, died of a single gunshot wound to the chest after two men were seen arriving at his apartment building on Sept. 19.

Matthew and James Wells were arrested hours later near Vantage, Wash., after leading authorities on a high-speed chase.

Authorities have not discussed a motive; no weapon has been recovered.

Bradbury told defense lawyers he understands they may seek separate trials. But Latah County Prosecutor William Thompson Jr. told the judge he will seek to have the three tried together.

Public Defender Greg Dickison of Moscow, who represents Riggins, has already said he will seek a separate trial and change of venue.

Public Defender Charles Kovis of Moscow, who represents Matthew Wells, has declined comment when asked whether he’ll seek a separate trial.

Attorney Tom Whitney of Moscow, who was appointed Monday to represent James Wells, said after the arraignment he hasn’t made a decision about whether to seek a separate trial or change of venue.

Magistrate William Hamlett of Moscow presided over the initial appearances of the six new defendants.

They include: Matthew Raydon Wells Sr. of Seattle, the 63-year-old father of the Wells brothers; three other brothers, including Emmanuel Ray Wells, 40, of Fircrest, Wash., Anthony Lafar Wells, 38, of SeaTac, Wash., and Aaron B. Wells, 22, of Pullman; Mashere Harrison-Wells, 26, of Fircrest, the wife of James Wells; and Angela C. Brown, 25, of Pullman, a Washington State University student and girlfriend of Aaron Wells.

In addition to perjury, Aaron Wells is charged with being an accessory to murder.

None of the family members was willing to speak to reporters Monday.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.