A Clallam County man facing murder charges has been hit with an additional count of witness tampering in Superior Court on Tuesday, just days ahead of his scheduled trial.
The new allegation adds a further complication to a case that has already attracted community attention over the personal connection between Judge Basden and the defendant's attorney, Lane Wolfley.
New Charges and Trial Proceedings
Judge Basden addressed the witness tampering allegation during a Tuesday morning status conference. The matter has been referred to Judge Barnhart, who previously determined there was probable cause to support the charge.
Prosecutors had requested bail be set at $15,000. Judge Basden denied that request, releasing the defendant on his own recognizance for the tampering count. He remains incarcerated in connection with the murder charges.
An arraignment on the tampering charge is scheduled for Friday, February 6, at 9:00 AM before Judge Barnhart. Judge Basden continued with pre-trial preparations for the murder case during the session.
The murder trial, concerning the beating death of 70-year-old Richard G. Madeo in May 2025, remains set to begin Monday, February 9.
Prosecutors sought a bail amount of $15,000 for the newly filed evidence tampering charge. Judge Basden denied that request, opting instead to release the defendant on his own recognizance regarding the tampering count, despite the gravity of the accusation. The defendant continues to be held on the pre-existing murder counts.
Arraignment proceedings for the tampering allegation are set for this Friday, February 6, at 9:00 AM, to be conducted by Judge Barnhart. Concurrently, Judge Basden addressed pre-trial motions associated with the murder prosecution.
The defendant's trial regarding the fatal beating of 70-year-old Richard G. Madeo, which occurred in May 2025, is scheduled to commence on Monday, February 9.