The Centralia man accused of killing his girlfriend, 39-year-old Rikkey Outumuro, on Halloween weekend has pleaded not guilty to one count of first-degree murder, domestic violence, after a competency evaluation determined he is mentally capable of standing trial.
Western State Hospital (WSH), a psychiatric hospital located in Lakewood, submitted the results of the competency evaluation to Lewis County Superior Court the evening before the defendant, 28-year-old Cristopher Allen Gaudreau, was scheduled to appear in court for a Nov. 18 review hearing.
Gaudreau’s attorney, Christopher Baum, requested the competency evaluation on Nov. 4 due to conversations he’d had with Gaudreau that gave Baum “concerns about his ability to assist in his own defense,” Baum told the court at the time.
During Gaudreau’s review hearing on Thursday, Baum told the court he had spoken to the WSH evaluator the day before, so he was prepared for their determination that Gaudreau is competent.
Gaudreau entered a not guilty plea during that same Nov. 18 hearing.
A jury trial has tentatively been set for the week of Jan. 10, with an omnibus hearing — a pretrial hearing for the court to check in on the case — scheduled for Dec. 16 and a trial confirmation hearing on Jan. 6.
However, due to the volume of evidence that needs to be sent to Washington State Patrol’s crime lab for testing, both parties expect the trial to be delayed.
“What I intend to happen is for the state to make a motion to extend the trial date,” said Lewis County Deputy Prosecutor Scott Jackson.
The 60-day deadline for the court to meet Gaudreau’s right for a speedy trial is Jan. 17, so for the trial to be rescheduled past the week of Jan. 10, Gaudreau would have to sign a waiver rescinding his right to a speedy trial.
Jackson said the state is unlikely to be ready for trial within the 60-day speedy trial time frame.
“I don’t think it's realistic given the amount of things that need to happen,” Jackson said.
“I agree with the state,” Baum said. “Getting a case like this tried within 60 days is a daunting task.”
Gaudreau was arrested Oct. 31 after he was interviewed by Centralia police officers about the circumstances of Outumuro’s death. She was found dead in the 800 block of South Gold Street that morning with five bullet wounds to her chest.
Gaudreau and Outumuro reportedly went out drinking the night before, and while Gaudreau told officers he only had two drinks, he stated he didn't remember anything after 11:30 p.m. on Oct. 30.
Outumuro was a former Miss Gay Lewis County and was an active member of the Lewis County LGBTQIA+ community, performing at Pride events under the name Tru Starlet.
Capital City Pride has started a fundraiser on Facebook to aid Outumuro’s family with funeral expenses. For more information or to donate, visit www.facebook.com/donate/2961499287433080/.
Anyone interested in helping start a grant in Outumuro’s name for LGBTQ+ youth at Centralia College is encouraged to contact Orion Block at orionblock@gmail.com or 323-877-7904.
