By Eric Wilkinson
King 5 News
EVERETT, Wash. — Day one of the Byron Scherf death penalty trial began with the murder weapon, an amplifier cord left behind after a performance inside the chapel at the Monroe Prison. Scherf wrapped it around the throat of decorated corrections officer Jayme Beindl three times, and strangled her as she struggle in vain to survive.
Scherf confessed to the January 2011 killing.
“It was that man,” said Deputy Prosecutor Paul Stern, pointing at Scherf, “who decided this was going to be the day Jayme Biendl was gonna die.”
Biendl was ambushed by Scherf, who said he snapped after she made a comment about his wife earlier in the day. In a strange move by the defense, Scherf’s attorneys showed graphic photos of Biendl’s battered body after the attack.
Family members could do nothing but close their eyes, plug their ears and wipe away tears, as Scherf sat expressionless.
With little up for speculation in the case, opening arguments came down to whether Scherf acted with premeditation. Stern says Scherf’s confession makes it clear that he originally planned to beat Biendl up in the chapel, the only place on prison grounds without a surveillance camera.
Full story: Family hears tape of murdered corrections officer’s final moments