State v. Melton

Derek Melton, a minor, appeals from a judgment of manslaughter in the first degree, arguing that continuance of his trial violated his speedy trial rights; severance of his trial from his codefendant should not have been denied; and the court erred in sentencing him to an exceptional sentence. We affirm.

On November 20, 1989, Derek Melton and Aaron Harvego, both minors, were walking in the woods near Kent. Michael Folk, a neighbor whose house bordered on the woods, heard several shots, and a few minutes later saw the boys walking on a trail behind his house. Harvego was carrying a rifle. Folk…