PORT ANGELES — Two people charged in the death of Jennifer Pimentel pleaded not guilty to separate charges of second-degree murder and first-degree rendering criminal assistance during a brief court appearance Friday.
Their trials are scheduled to occur separately in December in Clallam County Superior Court.
The trial of Kevin A. Bradfield, charged with second-degree murder for allegedly strangling Pimentel to death Oct. 9, is set to begin Dec. 5 and last at least four days.
His attorney, Harry Gasnick, told Judge Ken Williams the trial likely will have to be rescheduled because of the large amount of evidence he is anticipating to have to review.
The trial for Bradfield’s girlfriend, Kendell K. Huether, is scheduled to begin
Dec. 19 and last between three and four days.
Huether, Pimentel’s childhood friend, is charged with first-degree rendering criminal assistance for allegedly helping Bradfield dispose of the body in woods near the Hood Canal Bridge.
Pimentel, a 27-year-old developmentally disabled woman, was staying with Huether and Bradfield on a trip to Port Angeles, her hometown, in the weeks leading up to her death.
She had missed a bus to go back to SeaTac, where she lived with her fiance, Mike Malvey, the day she was killed, Malvey said.
Pimentel went back to Huether’s residence, he said, after missing the bus.
Police allege Bradfield strangled her to death at the home, 808 E. Lauridsen Blvd., that day.
Bradfield, 22, is being held in Clallam County jail on $1 million bond. He will appear in court again Nov. 18.
Huether, 25, is being held on a $100,000 bond. She will return to court Nov. 17.
Huether is represented by attorney Karen Unger.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
