By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – James Reeder changed his mind.
The 26-year-old Centralia resident has been awaiting sentencing for the May death of his girlfriend’s 2-year-old daughter after pleading guilty last month.
The so-called Alford plea, in which he did not admit guilt, was part of deal which could get him a minimum of about three decades in prison and possibly remain there for life.
From the Lewis County Jail, Reeder penciled a two-page letter to Lewis County Superior Court Judge James Lawler asking to please be allowed to withdraw his plea, saying he has been telling his lawyer all along he wanted to take it to a trial.
Judge Lawler denied his request today.
Reeder pleaded guilty on Jan. 9 to homicide by abuse, second-degree assault, two counts of first-degree rape of a child and possession of methamphetamine. The victim, Koralynn Fister, died May 24 in Centralia.
Reeder’s sentencing remains scheduled for March 6.
Attorneys are still waiting for a pre-sentencing investigation report from the state Department of Corrections.
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For background, read “Defendant in Koralynn Fister death pleads guilty” from Wednesday January 9, 2013, here [1]