Moscow shooting suspect pleads not guilty to eluding arrest

From staff reports

Moscow resident John Lee pleaded not guilty to eluding arrest today at the Whitman County courthouse.

The 29 year-old man is suspected of killing three and injuring one in a shooting that took place last Saturday afternoon in Moscow.

Since he entered a not guilty plea, Lee will face trial for his Washington charges March 16 at the Whitman County courthouse.

Prosecuting attorney Denis Tracy stated that the extradition process was underway and Judge Frazier set the court date to further discuss moving Lee, who decided not to waive his right of extradition. The hearing will be Feb. 17.

Tracy said it is possible for Lee to be extradited to Idaho before his Washington trials are resolved. The Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter will send a formal writ of extradition to Washington Governor Jay Inslee.

Lee has three arrest warrants in Idaho for first degree murder and one for first degree attempted murder. He allegedly killed his adoptive mother, Terri Grzebielski; his landlord, David Trail; and the manager at Arby’s, Belinda Niebuhr. He also shot and seriously wounded Michael Chin, who was doing business with Trail in a real estate office where the first shooting took place.

Police suspect Lee knew the three victims he killed.

After the shootings, Lee fled the scene in a black Honda towards Washington. Pullman Police identified the vehicle near Pullman and attempted to stop the vehicle. Lee ignored and a high-speed pursuit ensued with speeds reaching 110 mph before Lee lost control of his vehicle and crashed.

He was arrested by Pullman Police officers, and assessed for physical or mental ailments at Whitman County Hospital.

Earlier this week, his bail was set at $500,000.

Reporting by Matthew Brunstetter