Suspect could face death penalty
By Bill Rautenstrauch
The La Grande Observer
Published: March 2, 2004
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Michael Botting |
A La Grande man accused of aggravated murder in the death of 20-year-old Christopher Fahlgren said Monday he wants to be put to death for the alleged crime.
Michael James Botting, 25, made the statement during his arraignment in Union County Circuit Court.
He spoke after Judge Russ West outlined the possible consequences of a guilty verdict to the charge of aggravated murder.
"The state has three options. It can pursue the death penalty, life without parole, or life with a chance of parole after 30 years," West said.
Botting replied that the death penalty was preferable to him. Noting that penalties are not an issue at an arraignment, West pushed on with the proceedings.
During the arraignment — conducted via closed circuit television — Union County District Attorney Martin Birnbaum recommended that no bail be allowed Botting, who was arrested by La Grande police Saturday night.
Botting, 25, was charged with aggravated murder, murder, assault in the first degree and arson in the first degree.
"We believe the evidence is very strong. He wrote a confession of his participation in these events," Birnbaum noted while asking West to deny bail.
West agreed that bail was not appropriate.
Fahlgren was found dead in his apartment behind 1601 Adams Ave. Thursday morning after police and firefighters responded to a fire call there.
Thursday afternoon, Birnbaum's office issued a press release saying Fahlgren apparently died of smoke inhalation.
But La Grande Police Detective Phil Meyer noticed a bruise on Fahlgren's face and another on the back of his head. A decision was made to send the body to Portland for a forensic autopsy.
That autopsy found that Fahlgren had blunt force injuries to the front and back of his head.
At the arraignment, Birnbaum said that Botting had beaten Fahlgren with a steel pipe.
The aggravated murder charge stems from the allegation that Botting tried to conceal the murder by starting the fire.
West noted that the assault charge is a Measure 11 crime, which carries a minimum sentence of 90 months in prison and a potential maximum $300,000 fine.
The arson charge, also covered under Measure 11, carries a minimum sentence of 90 months, and a potential for a maximum $300,000 fine.
Birnbaum said after the hearing that the maximum fine is rarely if ever imposed.
An attorney will be appointed for Botting.
On March 10, a grand jury will consider whether to indict Botting for the crimes, Birnbaum said.
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