By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – Attorneys yesterday confirmed they are ready for trial next week in the case of the Onalaska man who allegedly shot at two suspected burglars outside his house last year, killing one of them.
Ronald A. Brady, 60, is charged with first-degree murder in the death of 56-year-old Thomas McKenzie of Morton and first-degree assault for allegedly opening fire on McKenzie’s estranged wife Joanna McKenzie as she fled.
Ronald A. Brady
Brady has pleaded not guilty.
The trial in Lewis County Superior Court is expected to last about five days.
Deputy Prosecutor Colin Hayes however indicated to the judge yesterday there were still last minute negotiations going on, which may or may not lead to a plea agreement and no trial.
Hayes is handling the case with Deputy Prosecutor Shane O’Rourke. Centralia defense attorney Don Blair represents Brady.
The lawyers met with Judge James Lawler yesterday afternoon to sort out the ground rules for trial, including how much and how to characterize Joanna McKenzie’s presence at the property that night.
She has made a so-called Alford plea, not admitting guilt, to attempted burglary.
According to charging documents: On April 19, Brady reported somebody had broken into his house he had been renovating on the 2100 block of state Route 508, moving items stored in his garage. He saw a back window had been broken and found the garage door opened about two inches.
Brady returned to his nearby rental home where he lived, collected his .22 caliber rifle and 12-gauge shotgun and then went back to his unoccupied house on state Route 508. He told sheriff’s detectives he was staying there in case the burglars returned
He described to deputies hearing noises, opening his garage door and finding two flashlights shined in his face; then he opened fire.
Thomas McKenzie died from a gunshot wound to his chest and leaves behind nine children and other family members.
Lewis County Sheriff Steve Mansfield announced last summer he believed the shooting was justifiable and he wouldn’t arrest Brady.
In September, the Lewis County Prosecutors Office charged Brady with first-degree manslaughter for Thomas McKenzie’s death and two months later upgraded the charge to first-degree murder, “based on the facts of the case.”
Among the witnesses listed are, for the defense, private investigator Jerry Berry; and for the prosecution, Brady’s neighbor Jack Tipping, Joanna McKenzie, a fire chief, a pathologist and several sheriff’s deputies.
Brady’s defense is general denial and self defense, according to documents filed in his case. He remains free on a $50,000 unsecured appearance bond
First-degree murder is a class A felony with a possible penalty of life in prison and a $50,000 fine. Its elements include intent and premeditation.
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Read background on the case, here
Tags: By Sharyn L. Decker, news reporter