Accused murderer likely to testify on own behalf, defense says

Published 12:01 am Tuesday, March 28, 2006

PORT ANGELES — Robert Gene Covarrubias likely will testify in his own defense against a charge of murdering a teen-age girl more than a year ago, his attorney said Monday.

Public defender Ralph Anderson said there was “a 51 percent chance” of Covarrubias taking the stand.

He is accused of the rape and first-degree murder of 15-year-old Melissa Leigh Carter in late December 2004.

Anderson made the statement Monday morning during pre-trial motions to Clallam County Superior Court Judge George Wood.

Choosing a jury from among the 103 citizens who answered a call to jury duty will occupy the rest of this week for Anderson, co-counsel Harry Gasnick, and Clallam County Prosecutor Deb Kelly.

Kelly is assisted by Port Angeles Police Detective Sgt. Eric Kovatch, the lead investigator in the 15-month-old Carter case.