Blanchard Mountain murder defendant’s bail cut by nearly two-thirds

MOUNT VERNON — A judge today reduced to $350,000 the $1 million bail for a man accused of luring his wife’s lover to Skagit County then killing him on Blanchard Mountain.

Skagit County Superior Court Judge John Meyer said that 35-year-old Ken McBride has strong ties to the area…

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22 comments


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jeepgirl1975

jeepgirl1975's avatar

April 30, 2009 - 08:51 PM | Comment # 3416 |

We better hope that Judge Meyer never presides over the Zamora case.

Steve Sexton

May 01, 2009 - 08:57 AM | Comment # 3428 |

Wow...Meyer is at it again. First he lets a convicted felon out of jail for movie night with his family(http://www.goskagit.com/home/article/fugitive_felon_remains_at_large/), and now he increases the chances a murder defendant will be able to make bail and be on our streets. He is quoted in today’s SVH “I expect if he is released it is likely he will appear, but I can’t guarantee that he wouldn’t leave the area”. Are you serious? If you have doubts that he will appear for his proceeedings, why reduce his bail? Why roll the dice with public safety (again) and make it easier for a dangerous person to flee? If a murder defendant deserves a bail reduction, what does that say to defendants accused of robbery, assault, or even attempted murder? Should they be ROR?

This judge has the balance of defendants rights and public safety completely out of whack.
We got lucky when Presnell was picked up in Colorado knocking on doors in a neighborhood that he did not commit another violent act. How long will that luck last, Judge Meyer?

Steve Sexton

May 01, 2009 - 09:41 AM | Comment # 3433 |

Still well said gman48. Agree with the sentiment completely.

doconnellsays

May 01, 2009 - 10:00 AM | Comment # 3434 |

RIDICULOUS! THAT GUY IS A MURDERER AND SHOULD NOT BE ON THE STREETS. HOEFULLY HIS WIFE TAKES CARE. WHAT’S WITH THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM ANYWAY - THE IDEA THAT A PERSON WHO IS BEING HELD FOR MURDER CAN BUY THEIR WAY OUT OF JAIL BY POSTING BAIL IS BEYOND MY COMPREHENSION.

studephan

May 01, 2009 - 01:43 PM | Comment # 3444 |

It’s real easy to remedy this situation, it’s called elections. So remember this issue when the next ballot comes along. And beyond that, tell your friends, neighbors and anybody else who will listen why is NOT in their best interest to keep Meyers on the bench.

Steve Sexton

May 01, 2009 - 01:46 PM | Comment # 3446 |

Unfortunately, the ballot has to have another name on it to give us a choice. Most these guys run unopposed every election.

Don Danielson
Administrator

Don Danielson's avatar

May 01, 2009 - 03:33 PM | Comment # 3448 |

@gman48 - I’m removing your comment (again) because of your profanity and name-calling.  Keep it civil or your account will be removed - last warning.

gman49

gman49's avatar

May 01, 2009 - 06:26 PM | Comment # 3450 |

I apoligize to all the *&^% and (^%$^ out there.  This judge is still a thorn in the side of common since.  You worry about me calling a spade a spade.  What about the families and friends of the victims the the dishonorble dude meyers insults every day he is allowed to stay on the bench.

gman49

gman49's avatar

May 01, 2009 - 06:35 PM | Comment # 3451 |

Also, Jeffery Dahmer, Hill side strangler, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Green river killer.  They had no previous criminal history either.  Maybe Judge Meyer would like to at least let the one out that is still alive.  Oh, wait, someone was smart enough to keep them locked up until after their trail and convictions.  Wow, good thing they werent tried in skagit.

Dozer

May 01, 2009 - 07:23 PM | Comment # 3452 |

Studephan and Steve have it right.... DO NOT FORGET THIS… elections are coming. Judge Meyer was just a attorney before all this. That’s all it takes. It seems our community is stuffed with attorney’s. There must be a better one out there.... Fortunately, convicted Felon’s can’t vote. I’d bet he’d win by a landslide if they could....

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