Officer killing stalls religious programs at Wash. prison

In the wake of officer Jayme Biendl’s killing, religious programs at Monroe Correctional Complex hang in the balance

February 15, 2011 04:21 AM

MONROE, Wash. — They see it as shining light in a dark place.

Every year, hundreds of volunteers go behind bars at the Monroe Correctional Complex to bring hope and faith to inmates.

Religious programs at the prison have ground to a halt since corrections officer Jayme Biendl was slain at her post on Jan. 29. Byron Scherf, 52, a convicted rapist already serving a life sentence, is the prime suspect.

The killing has focused public attention on a place normally hidden from view — the prison chapel — where many inmates make an earnest effort to find God and the good in themselves.