Renfro to be tried for first-degree murder
Jonathan Daniel Renfro will be tried for first-degree murder in the shooting death of Coeur d’Alene Police Sgt. Greg Moore.
Kootenai County Public Defender John Adams, who is representing Renfro, confirmed this afternoon that charges have been updated to include Murder I.
Prosecuting Attorney Barry McHugh filed an amended complaint in the case Wednesday but wouldn’t comment on the new charge, and court officials would not release the public records.
Also today, a judge postponed the preliminary hearing for Renfro, 26, who was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly shot Moore, stole the officer’s patrol car and led police on a chase through Post Falls.
Renfro had been scheduled to return to court May 15 for a preliminary hearing, but he waived his right to a speedy hearing, and his defense team asked for another 30 days to prepare. 1st District Magistrate Judge James Stow agreed to the additional time.
Renfro initially was charged with attempted murder and four other felonies related to the shooting. He is being held on $2 million bail.
Adams has asked the court to lower that amount “on the grounds that it is excessive,” according to a motion that has yet to be heard by a judge. He also has asking the court for a gag order, barring attorneys, investigators, police and other parties in the case from discussing it with the news media. A judge has yet to rule on that motion as well.
Officials are not releasing additional details of the multi-agency investigation into the shooting, at the request of McHugh, to protect the integrity of the investigation and prosecution.
Anyone convicted of murdering a police officer in Idaho is eligible for the death penalty. McHugh has yet to say if intends to seek the death penalty in the case.