Prosecutors to seek death penalty in corrections officer’s slaying

The decision ends speculation that began last month when Byron Scherf was charged with aggravated murder in connection with the slaying of 34-year-old Officer Jayme Biendl

March 15, 2011 05:59 AM

EVERETT, Wash. -- Snohomish County prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty against Byron Scherf, the prison inmate accused of strangling a female corrections officer at the Monroe Correctional Complex in January.

Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe made the announcement Tuesday morning, ending speculation that began last month when Scherf was charged with aggravated murder in connection with the slaying of 34-year-old Jayme Biendl in the prison’s chapel. The only penalties possible for aggravated murder are death or life in prison without parole.

Roe said that Biendl’s family supports the death penalty in the case. “It is something they feel is appropriate,” Roe said.

“I am keenly aware of the gravity of this decision,” Roe added, noting that at the time of the slaying Scherf was serving a life sentence for rape.