In brief: Man appeals murder conviction

A St. Maries man sentenced to serve at least 35 years in prison for killing a 76-year-old woman is appealing his conviction.

Lawrence E. Banderob, sentenced in June for the murder of Miriam “Mickey” Waltch, says in court papers that he wants to withdraw his guilty plea.

He claims he pleaded guilty to a murder “for unsaid reasons” which he never committed.

The appeal appears to have been prepared by Banderob’s mother, Wilma Banderob, who also signed the papers on his behalf.

The appeal mentions rape charges with which Banderob was neither charged nor pleaded to.

“It is my desire to appeal the district courts judgment and sentencing to any murder charge and aleged and unproven sexual abuse to the said victim,” the appeal states.

During his sentencing hearing, Banderob testified that he had been drinking and didn’t remember committing the crime.

“I don’t remember killing her at home, but I guess I did,” he said at the time. “I sit in jail every day and think about her and her family.”

– Taryn Brodwater

Spokane

Local schools high in college rankings

Gonzaga and Whitworth universities made strong showings in the Western regional categories of the annual U.S. News & World Report college rankings.

Both ranked in the top 5 for best value and best master’s-level universities in the 17-state region of the West.

GU was ranked third in the best university category, and was the No. 2 best value.

Whitworth ranked ninth in the best university category, and third as a best value.

In the same regional category, Eastern Washington University ranked 43rd.

Washington State University ranked 118th on the list of national, doctorate-level institutions, and the University of Idaho was ranked in the third tier of those schools.

– Shawn Vestal