Bruce E. Reed, 67, of Onalaska, makes an appearance in Lewis County Superior Court in Chehalis for arraignment and trial setting.
Lewis County Superior Court officials allowed funds to be spent by the defense of Bruce Reed, an Onalaska man accused of shooting and killing his wife in January, to retain a private investigator.
Reed, 67, faces a single count of first-degree murder.
According to a document filed Feb. 14 and signed by Reed’s public defender Kevin Nelson, up to $1,000 is set aside for a private investigator. The investigator will assist the defense with “various aspects of the case, including witness interviews and other investigative functions.”
Nelson did not respond to a request for comment.
An order allowing the expenditure, signed by Judge James Lawler, reads in part: “the Defendant is indigent and the Court will reserve ruling on whether or not the Defendant will be required to pay any portion of fees incurred.”
Reed has a jury trial currently set for the week of Aug. 5.
Reed is accused in the shooting death of Frances A. Reed, 67. Reed allegedly told deputies that they were engaged in an argument when he loaded a handgun and fired all eight rounds at his wife. She fled the house when the shooting started, and her body was later found outside.
Reed allegedly called 911 to report the shooting.
