PORT TOWNSEND — The Jefferson County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will challenge a ruling by Superior Court Judge Craddock Verser allowing for closed hearings and the sealing of documents in the murder trial of Michael J. Pierce.
Pierce, 34, of Quilcene, is charged with double homicide in the deaths of Quilcene residents Patrick and Janice Yarr, as well as seven other felonies.
Pierce has pleaded not guilty on all counts and remains in Jefferson County jail on $250,000 bail.
Attorneys for Pierce appeared at a closed court hearing in June to request multiple documents be sealed from the public.
Documents sealed
Verser approved the request and ordered multiple documents sealed, including:
• Four documents ordering the appointment of an expert at the public expense.
• Submitted invoices, time sheets and payment for appointed counsel to Pierce.
• Any records of professional visits to Pierce at the Jefferson County jail.
The motions used to seal the documents also were sealed.
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Rosekrans said his office filed a notice for review of the ruling to the state Court of Appeals.
The prosecution has until July 24 to write and file a brief on why prosecutors are appealing the ruling.
After the prosecution submits its brief, the defense will have 15 days to file a brief in response.
Statement released
Verser released an official opinion regarding the closed hearing that said the documents were sealed under state law, and to conform to the right of confidential attorney-client communication.
“Upon balancing the public’s right to an open proceeding with Mr. Pierce’s rights to effective representation, confidential attorney client communication, and confidential preparation of his case without revealing possible trial strategy and attorney work product, the court closed the hearing related to the above referenced motions,” Verser said in the prepared statement.
Pierce is charged with nine felonies in connection with the deaths of the Yarrs on March 18.
Charges including two counts of homicide, arson, two counts of robbery, one count of burglary, one count of theft of a firearm, one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and one count of identity theft.
The Yarrs’ bodies were found in their Quilcene home the day after a fire destroyed their house. Fire investigators said it was intentionally set, and a medical investigator said that the Yarrs died prior to the blaze.
According to court documents, investigators found bullet fragments in the kitchen floor near Patrick and Janice’s bodies.
Pierce is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 14 for a status hearing.
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Reporter Erik Hidle can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at erik.hidle@peninsuladailynews.com.
