Port Townsend: Idaho authorities charge South Carolina man in connection with highway beating

PORT TOWNSEND — A South Carolina man has been charged with seven felonies in the robbery of a Port Townsend woman who was stabbed, beaten and left for dead on a rural stretch of Interstate 84 near Caldwell, Idaho, nearly two years ago.

Kenneth Wurdemann, 31, was brought to Canyon County, Idaho, from Rock Hill, S.C., on Feb. 27 as the primary suspect in the June 14, 2000, attack of Linda LeBrane, then 52.

Wurdemann was charged Wednesday with conspiracy to commit robbery, robbery, conspiracy to commit first-degree kidnapping, first-degree kidnapping, aggravated battery, aiding and abetting first-degree arson, and aiding and abetting attempted first-degree murder. He is being held on $1 million bond.

LeBrane could not be reached for comment Wednesday.

Police reports said Wurdemann was living in Caldwell at the time of the assault.

Wurdemann is the only one arrested so far in the case, but Canyon County Sheriff George Nourse said he expects more arrests.

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