From the Spokesman Review 04-23-08
Trial likely in fire deaths.
Thirtymile crew boss faces manslaughter counts.
With a last minute plea bargain doubtful, a U>S> Forest Service crew boss likely will go to trial May 5 in Spokane on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, a federal judge was told Tuesday.
Ellreese Daniels, a 47-year-9ld midlevel supervisor with the Forest Service, is accused of making decisions "in wanton and reckless disregard for human life" that led to the deaths of four firefighters during the Tiirtymile fire near Winthrope, Wash. in July 2001.
At a pretrial hearing, Judge Fred Van Sickle discussed remaining legal issues, including and expanded list of questions for potential jurors.
“Is there any potential for resolution without trial?” the judge asked…
Daniels’ attorney,, Assistant Federal Defender Tina Hunt, told the court the U>S> attorney’s office wants Daniel to plead guilty to a felony to avoid trial on the four counts of involuntary manslaughter and seven counts of making false statements to investigators. “My client is refusing to plead to a felony,” Hunt told the judge.
Trial is expected to last a month or more.
Hunt said she has been involved in plea discussions with Assistant U>S> Attorney Tom Hopkins but no agreement has been reached.
Hunt’s remarks suggested here client likely would plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor if the government agreed to dismiss the felony counts.
Hopkins also told the court that the two sides have discussed a plea bargain, without results.
…
Prosecutors allege Daniels should have known the crew could be trapped by the fast-moving wildfire and that he failed to follow four cardinal “LCES” rules for fire supervisors: Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, and Safety Zones.
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Article continues with discussions of evidence to be admitted, will the jurors visit the site, an earlier forest fire on the Colville Reservation in which Daniels’ judgment and supervision were questioned, etc.
Spokesmanreview.com 04-23-08 Section B ‘Northwest’. I think you need a subscription though.
Harry K
Trial likely in fire deaths.
Thirtymile crew boss faces manslaughter counts.
With a last minute plea bargain doubtful, a U>S> Forest Service crew boss likely will go to trial May 5 in Spokane on four counts of involuntary manslaughter, a federal judge was told Tuesday.
Ellreese Daniels, a 47-year-9ld midlevel supervisor with the Forest Service, is accused of making decisions "in wanton and reckless disregard for human life" that led to the deaths of four firefighters during the Tiirtymile fire near Winthrope, Wash. in July 2001.
At a pretrial hearing, Judge Fred Van Sickle discussed remaining legal issues, including and expanded list of questions for potential jurors.
“Is there any potential for resolution without trial?” the judge asked…
Daniels’ attorney,, Assistant Federal Defender Tina Hunt, told the court the U>S> attorney’s office wants Daniel to plead guilty to a felony to avoid trial on the four counts of involuntary manslaughter and seven counts of making false statements to investigators. “My client is refusing to plead to a felony,” Hunt told the judge.
Trial is expected to last a month or more.
Hunt said she has been involved in plea discussions with Assistant U>S> Attorney Tom Hopkins but no agreement has been reached.
Hunt’s remarks suggested here client likely would plead guilty to a federal misdemeanor if the government agreed to dismiss the felony counts.
Hopkins also told the court that the two sides have discussed a plea bargain, without results.
…
Prosecutors allege Daniels should have known the crew could be trapped by the fast-moving wildfire and that he failed to follow four cardinal “LCES” rules for fire supervisors: Lookouts, Communications, Escape routes, and Safety Zones.
-----------------
Article continues with discussions of evidence to be admitted, will the jurors visit the site, an earlier forest fire on the Colville Reservation in which Daniels’ judgment and supervision were questioned, etc.
Spokesmanreview.com 04-23-08 Section B ‘Northwest’. I think you need a subscription though.
Harry K
