CRIME BRIEFS

Suspects in Afo homicide case back in Washington

Homicide suspects William Williams, 40, and Kennedy Karpf, 24, are back in Shelton in sheriff’s custody. The pair were sought in connection with the shooting death of Janus Afo on Sept. 28 and apprehended in Oregon Oct. 11.

Williams’ arraignment on second-degree murder and felony possession of a firearm Monday was at Mason County Superior Court before Judge Monty Cobb.

Williams is being held on $1 million bail.

Karpf pleaded not guilty to first-degree rendering criminal assistance at her initial arraignment Oct. 30 before Judge Daniel Goodell. Goodell denied Karpf’s request for bail reduction and her bail remains $250,000. Karpf’s next pretrial hearing is Nov. 13.

Ex-Shelton High counselor’s rape trial postponed to 2024

The trial date for former Shelton High School counselor Samuel Martin Caffey, 30, has been pushed to the week of Jan. 16 after he requested a continuance and waived his right to a speedy trial.

Caffey has been in custody since his arrest June 2 for charges of third-degree rape of a child, third-degree child molestation and distribution of a controlled substance to a minor.

Judge Daniel Goodell denied Caffey’s request for a reduction of $300,000 bail.

His next pretrial hearing is Nov. 13 before Judge Monty Cobb.

DUI suspect remains jailed

Mecca Kay Berkin, 54, of Federal Way remains in Pierce County jail charged with vehicular homicide for the death of Shelton motorcyclist Alicia Perrin.

Perrin was struck and killed by Berkin, who is suspected of drunken driving, Oct. 7 on state Route 16 near Gig Harbor.

Berkin is being held on $500,000 bail. She pleaded not guilty at her arraignment Oct. 9 and her pretrial hearing was Nov. 3 in Pierce County Superior Court.