Jury seated Friday, trial begins today

EPHRATA — The trial begins today for one of the youngest children in modern state history facing charges of murder as an adult.

Jurors responsible for determining 15-year-old Evan Savoie's guilt or innocence are now set to hear a broad overview of case evidence in Grant County Superior Court.

Savoie, who was charged with first-degree murder at the age of 12 and pleaded not guilty, has spent the past three years in Grant County's juvenile detention facility.

He is accused of killing a companion, 13-year-old Craig Sorger, at Ephrata's Oasis Park in February 2003.

Defense attorneys, though, have brought up the possibility someone else killed Sorger.

Grant County, at the request of the Grant County Prosecutor's Office, hired Moses Lake attorney Garth Dano to represent Sorger's parents, Chuck and Lisa. Hiring a publicly-funded attorney to represent the family in this case is believed to be a first in the state.

The other child accused in the case, Savoie's playmate and former co-defendant Jake Eakin, 15, pleaded guilty one year ago to complicity to second-degree murder. A judge sentenced him to more than 14 years.

Early last week, attorneys for both sides waded through about 200 prospective jurors, focusing on eliminating those influenced by the case's publicity.

On Friday, a final pool of 64 Grant County residents were boiled down to 12 jurors and five alternates.

Before the final 17 were selected, though, potential jurors fielded many questions centered on Savoie's age.

"Do you think the burden of proof we have should be higher because of the defendant's age?" Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell asked jurors.

"Do you think that sometimes children can be cruel, even in a criminal way?"

Knodell sought to determine if prospective jurors would have more sympathy for Savoie because of his age and whether his age would interfere with prosecutors proving their case.

Grant County Superior Court Judge Ken Jorgensen told jurors they must be free of sympathy and prejudice.

If convicted, Savoie faces more than 20 years in custody between juvenile detention and adult prison.

"I think the decision I come up with will affect a lot of people," one prospective male juror responded to Knodell's questions Friday. "It's a big responsibility. It would be difficult, but it will have to be done."

Defense attorney Randy Smith, who has suggested the Ephrata Police Department's investigation into the homicide was flawed, asked jurors questions about law enforcement.

"Is there anyone here who believes police officers are perfect or don't make mistakes?" Smith asked jurors.

He asked jurors if they were a victim of crime.

"Did (police) catch the person?" Smith asked. "What's your opinion toward law enforcement in that matter?"

Once selected, the jury received legal instructions from Jorgensen. They were then told what to expect during the trial.

After today's opening statements, in which the attorneys will provide a complete picture of the evidence, Jorgensen said prosecutors will begin offering their evidence. Smith and defense attorney Monty Hormel will then take their turn.

"The defense will put on evidence, but mainly just to discredit the state's evidence," Judge Jorgensen explained to the jurors. "The state has the burden of proof and a person is not guilty until the state has met its burden of proof."

Jorgensen said Savoie does not have to take the stand.

"If you were a defendant, would you like someone with your state of mind sitting on the jury?" Jorgensen asked.

The jury could hear from more than 50 witnesses during the trial, including Eakin, who agreed to testify against Savoie. The trial may stretch up to five weeks.