Hunter charged in deputy shooting

Deputy remains at Harborview

EPHRATA - A Moses Lake floor installer was charged Monday in Grant County Superior Court in the hunting-related shooting of an off-duty Grant County deputy.

The courtroom's benches were full and deputies stood near the doorways to watch the proceeding.

Before a packed courtroom, Judge John Antosz set bail at $70,000 for Robbie Joe Marcher. Grant County Prosecutor John Knodell originally asked that Marcher's bail be $100,000.

Marcher, 38, of Moses Lake, was arrested for allegedly shooting deputy Earl Romig, 26, once in the back while Romig was coyote hunting near Soap Lake Thursday.

Romig survived the shooting, but received internal injures and it was initially believed his right leg could be paralyzed. He received X-rays on the leg Monday because he said he felt it break when he was shot, according to a hospital-sponsored patient information Web site.

He was listed in serious condition Monday afternoon in the intensive care unit at Seattle's Harborview Medical Center.

Marcher was charged with third-degree assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and failing to summon assistance. He later reportedly told detectives he thought he shot at a coyote and didn't return to see what he hit.

"It's a mixed bag, if you will," Antosz said. "He's not charged with an intentional crime."

Knodell said the police investigation into the shooting is ongoing and he's still receiving information. As a result, other charges could be recommended, he said.

Marcher wasn't supposed to have a gun because of a prior conviction and wasn't licensed to hunt, Knodell said.

Marcher's prior convictions include criminal trespassing, marijuana possession, malicious mischief, reckless driving and hunting during a closed season, Knodell said.

Knodell also claimed the three distress shots Romig fired after being shot could be heard by a passing motorist who was farther away than Marcher.

"I think it's clear from this information that Mr. Marcher fled the area knowing he shot a human being that obviously needed help," Knodell said.

According to court documents, Marcher received a phone call from his wife who told him there was a shooting in the area he and his father were hunting in.

In an interview with investigators Marcher reportedly said "he knew at the time he might have shot a person instead of a coyote but he didn't call authorities to advise a person may be shot and lying just west of the intersection of (Road) B N.W. and (Road) 21 N.W,," according to court documents.

After the proceeding, Knodell told the Columbia Basin Herald he is working to have a court order issued to remove all guns from Marcher's home.

Grant County Chief Deputy John Turley said the bail amount is fitting at this point. The onus is on investigators to prove if something other than an accidental shooting took place, he said.

Marcher is scheduled to enter his plea on Tuesday, Jan. 22, which is when his trial date is expected to be set. He will be appointed an attorney, Antosz said.