Abrams pleads guilty to 2004 murder

by David Cole<br>Herald Staff Writer
| March 23, 2007 9:00 PM

Sentencing set for Wednesday

EPHRATA — Dustin Gene Abrams pleaded guilty today to the March 2004 shooting death of 79-year-old Michael B. Mallon, a retired state employee and World War II Army veteran who was living in an isolated home near Soap Lake.

Abrams, 23, of Moses Lake, was charged with aggravated first-degree murder in connection with Mallon's death, but pleaded guilty to the reduced charge of second-degree murder in front of visiting Douglas County Superior Court Judge John Hotchkiss.

Grant County Deputy Prosecutor Steve Scott said they're recommending Abrams be sentenced to 24 years in prison as part of the plea deal.

Scott said Mallon's family opposes the deal.

Hotchkiss set sentencing for Wednesday in Grant County Superior Court.

Public defender Mike Haas represented Abrams during today's hearing.