PORT ANGELES — Citing a lack of sufficient evidence to prosecute beyond a reasonable doubt, Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney Deb Kelly said her office will not file charges against Kellie L. White, a Forks woman who was arrested for investigation of conspiracy to commit murder.
White was arrested by Forks police on Friday after the shooting death of Antonio “Tony” Rodriguez-Maldonado in downtown Forks the night before.
White, 32, was released from the Clallam County jail Wednesday. She was being held on $2 million bail.
“The state has chosen not to file a charge against you at this time,” Clallam County Superior Court Judge George L. Wood told White on Wednesday.
“You are exonerated from the conditions of release at this time.”
Forks police found Rodriguez-Maldonado, 33, of Forks, lying face down on Campbell Street near the intersection with Ash Avenue on Sept. 24 at 11 p.m.
Choquette charged
Etienne L. “Lucky” Choquette was formally charged with first degree murder with premeditation on Wednesday for allegedly shooting Rodriguez-Maldonado in the back of the head. Choquette, 45, of Forks, will be arraigned in Superior Court on Friday at 9 a.m. He is being held on $2 million bail.
White allegedly told Choquette at least five times that she wanted Rodriguez-Maldonado dead, according to a Forks police investigation.
White told police she understood that her words “might end up with Rodriguez getting killed,” and did not attempt to tell Choquette not to harm the victim, police said.
White was identified as an ex-girlfriend of Rodriguez-Maldonado.
“The police in Forks did a very nice job on the investigation developing probable cause on the arrest,” Kelly said.
But Kelly said there was not enough evidence to convict Kellie beyond a reasonable doubt. The evidence “isn’t significant enough to move forward,” Kelly explained.
The Prosecuting Attorney’s office could file charges against White if more evidence in uncovered.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
