Cory James Monaghan, of Ravensdale, has pleaded not guilty to murder and other charges in connection with a case in Ferry County in eastern Washington.

Mongaghan, who entered his plea Nov. 7, is accused by the Ferry County prosecutor with first-degree murder, attempting to escape from police custody and arson. He is being held in the county jail on bail of $1.5 million.

Monaghan’s next court appearance is scheduled for Dec. 12, with his trial scheduled to begin Jan. 5.

He is accused of killing Jeremy Karavias on Oct. 21 while visiting his uncle, Ronald Wessel in Malo, a small town off State Route 21 in northeastern Washington near the Canadian border. Monaghan told Wessel he and Karavias were in the area for a hunting trip.

Wessel told authorities he witnessed Monaghan shoot Karavias and then break his neck outside Wessel’s house. Monaghan allegedly burned Wessel’s home down after Wessel left the scene while several law enforcement agencies were on the way.

Monaghan, 35, was apprehended by members of the Border Patrol, Ferry County Sheriff Department and State Patrol. He was found with burns on his hands and singed hair on his head, authorities said.

While he was being treated at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane, Monaghan allegedly attempted to escape from police custody. He has been jailed since Oct. 25.

Detectives from the State Patrol are investigating the crime.

Staff writer Kris Hill can be reached at (425) 432-1209 (extension 5054) and khill@reporternewspapers.com