Murder suspect wants Cocoa Puffs in jail

The wheels of justice have been slowed by Cocoa Puffs.

Lawyers on Monday spent more than two hours arguing over whether a woman charged with aggravated murder should have access to coffee, tea, Cocoa Puffs and candy bars while she’s locked up in the Snohomish County Jail.

More than two hours. That’s not a typo. And they’re still not done arguing over snacks. Another hearing is scheduled for March, when a judge is expected to decide if jail staff must allow the woman access to the jail’s commissary.

There’s no doubt that aggravated murder cases are complicated, highly-litigated and often require numerous pre-trial hearings. Those hearings usually focus on protecting the defendant’s rights to a fair trial – not their choice of snacks.

But attorneys for both Holly Grigsby and David “Joey” Pedersen have filed motions complaining about jail conditions, mainly that their clients are cut off from the jail store and can’t supplement the three meals a day they’re provided.

The pair are accused of killing David “Red” Pedersen and his wife, DeeDee , of Everett last fall. Investigators also believe they killed two other people — an Oregon teenager and a disabled California man – before their capture in northern California.

The Oregon couple have ties to white supremacist groups. Grigsby allegedly has made statements that the Oregon teen, Cody Myers was killed because he had a “Jewish sounding” last name. Meyers was a Christian. Grigsby also has allegedly made statements that Reginald Clark was shot to death in California because she believed he had a drug problem. Clark was black.

Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney Mark Roe is expected to decide by April 20 if he’ll seek the death penalty for pair.

At a hearing Monday, Pedersen and Grigsby, both in shackles, flirted with each other. He winked. She smiled. Jail officials testified that the pair were immediately classified as maximum security inmates because of the nature of the charges against them and the possibility that prosecutors may seek the death penalty. Jail staff also considered their flight from justice spanning three states, the potential for similar charges out of Oregon and California and the media attention that the case attracted.

They both gave interviews to reporters while sitting in a California jail awaiting extradition to Washington. At least one Oregon newspaper reporter tried to set up interviews with the pair at the jail here.

The maximum security classification meant that Pedersen was denied access to the jail’s store. The jail also changed their policy in December for high-security risk female inmates, cutting them off from making purchases from the commissary and bringing the policy more in line with the male population.

Jail staff say allowing inmates, like Pedersen and Grigsby, access to snacks is a security issue. Yes, crooks can abuse access to a Snickers, using it to barter with other inmates for favors. Sugary snacks also can be used for making jailhouse hooch – a crude form of alcohol.

Grigsby has received several violations since she’s been incarcerated, including trying to brew alcohol in her cell and trying to communicate with Pedersen through a reverse mail scam.

She’s now jonesing for Cocoa Puffs and coffee.

Defense attorney Pete Mazzone, in a lengthy soliloquy, argued that it’s against his client’s constitutional rights to deny her access to the commissary based on the nature of the charge against her. He complained that she has no way to change her security classification. He tried to debunk the notion that a bowl of cereal and an Almond Joy are security risks.

Grigsby had something taken away from her and she has no say in the matter, Mazzone said.

DeeDee Pedersen’s daughter and friends were in the courtroom on Monday.

Superior Court Judge Linda Krese is expected to hear testimony on behalf of Pedersen in March. He’s back from Western State Hospital but there’s no word on whether he’s been deemed competent to stand trial. His lawyers want him to testify about the jail conditions. Krese won’t take testimony from him until she knows that he’s competent.

The judge said she’ll make a decision in March. In the meantime, she said it would be helpful to know what items inmates can purchase.

That’ll make hearing No. 3.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Trader Joe’s customers walk in and out of the store on Monday, Nov. 20, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New Trader Joe’s opens this week at Everett Mall

It’s a short move from a longtime location, essentially across the street, where parking was often an adventure.

Ian Bramel-Allen enters a guilty plea to second-degree murder during a plea and sentencing hearing on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘Deep remorse’: Man gets 17 years for friend’s fatal stabbing in Edmonds

Ian Bramel-Allen, 44, pleaded guilty Wednesday to second-degree murder for killing Bret Northcutt last year at a WinCo.

Firefighters respond to a small RV and a motorhome fire on Tuesday afternoon in Marysville. (Provided by Snohomish County Fire Distrct 22)
1 injured after RV fire, explosion near Marysville

The cause of the fire in the 11600 block of 81st Avenue NE had not been determined, fire officials said.

Ashton Dedmon appears in court during his sentencing hearing on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett Navy sailor sentenced to 90 days for fatal hit and run

Ashton Dedmon crashed into Joshua Kollman and drove away. Dedmon, a petty officer on the USS Kidd, reported he had a panic attack.

A kindergarten student works on a computer at Emerson Elementary School on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
‘¡Una erupción!’: Dual language programs expanding to 10 local schools

A new bill aims to support 10 new programs each year statewide. In Snohomish County, most follow a 90-10 model of Spanish and English.

Cassie Franklin, Mayor of Everett, delivers the annual state of the city address Thursday morning in the Edward D. Hansen Conference Center in Everett, Washington on March 31, 2022.  (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
At Everett mayor’s keynote speech: $35 entry, Boeing sponsorship

The city won’t make any money from the event, city spokesperson Simone Tarver said. Still, it’s part of a trend making open government advocates wary.

Logo for news use featuring the Tulalip Indian Reservation in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Woman drives off cliff, dies on Tulalip Reservation

The woman fell 70 to 80 feet after driving off Priest Point Drive NW on Sunday afternoon.

Everett
Boy, 4, survives fall from Everett fourth-story apartment window

The child was being treated at Seattle Children’s. The city has a limited supply of window stops for low-income residents.

People head out to the water at low tide during an unseasonably warm day on Saturday, March 16, 2024, at Lighthouse Park in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett shatters record high temperature by 11 degrees

On Saturday, it hit 73 degrees, breaking the previous record of 62 set in 2007.

Snohomish County Fire District #4 and Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue respond to a motor vehicle collision for a car and pole. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene, near Triangle Bait & Tackle in Snohomish. (Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office)
Police: Troopers tried to stop driver before deadly crash in Snohomish

The man, 31, was driving at “a high rate of speed” when he crashed into a traffic light pole and died, investigators said.

Alan Dean, who is accused of the 1993 strangulation murder of 15-year-old Bothell girl Melissa Lee, appears in court during opening statements of his trial on Monday, March 18, 2024, at Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
31 years later, trial opens in Bothell teen’s brutal killing

In April 1993, Melissa Lee’s body was found below Edgewater Creek Bridge. It would take 27 years to arrest Alan Dean in her death.

Logo for news use featuring the municipality of Snohomish in Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Man dies after crashing into pole in Snohomish

Just before 1 a.m., the driver crashed into a traffic light pole at the intersection of 2nd Street and Maple Avenue.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.