Renton Man Accused of Killing Grandparents Isn't Fighting Potential Death Penalty

Though King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has until the end of August to decide whether he'll pursue the death penalty for Michael Chadd Boysen, who is accused of killing his grandparents in March, Boysen's attorneys say he's not interested in fighting a potential death sentence.

The SeattlePI.com reports that public defender James Conroy wrote in court papers that Boysen is essentially 'volunteering' for the death penalty because he's resisting efforts by his defense to provide mitigating evidence that would argue against a death sentence.

Though he pleaded not guilty to two counts of first-degree aggravated murder in April, his attorneys say his treatment in King County Jail, including being placed in solitary confinement and being restrained to a bed or hard backboard for extended periods of time, has caused him to seek death on several occasions.

The SeattlePI.com reports he has tried to commit suicide at least six times while incarcerated. 

According to the Renton Reporter, Boysen's trial is tentatively slated to begin in January 2014.

Online:
Man accused of killing Renton grandparents 'volunteering' for execution (SeattlePI.com)
Michael Boysen trial set for early 2014 in slaying of grandparents (Renton Reporter)