Accused killer refuses to enter plea

A judge was forced to enter a plea on behalf of accused killer Justin R. Booth after the defendant refused to enter a plea at his arraignment Monday in Coeur d’Alene’s First District Court.

When District Judge Scott Wayman asked Booth how he pleaded to charges of first-degree murder for the death of William “Bo” Kirk, as well as robbery, second-degree kidnapping, arson and being a felon in possession of a firearm, Booth spoke through his attorney.

Defense attorney Anne C. Taylor said her client chose to stand silent in regard to the charges, prompting Wayman to enter a not guilty plea on Booth’s behalf.

By choosing to stand silent, Booth followed in the footsteps of his co-defendant, David E. Hutto, who was convicted last month for his part in the murder/ Ralph Bartholdt , Coeur d’Alene Press. More here .