Arraignment held for suspect in Nori Jones slaying

Brad Scott Compher was arraigned in Bannock County court Thursday, accused of first-degree murder in the death of Nori Jones in 2004. Part of the accusations include a possible motive of burglary or robbery.

District Judge Robert Naftz presided, clarifying the process as the case proceeds through the legal system. Compher asked about his job at one point, expressing concern he might lose it. Naftz said that’s something to speak with the public defender about.

Randy Schulthies was appointed as the public defender, and advised Compher not to speak to anyone about the case, including inmates in the jail, and that he would be going to the jail Friday to discuss the case with his appointed client.

A pre-trial was scheduled for Sept. 24, but Bannock County Prosecutor Steve Herzog said the right to a pre-trial within 14 days may be waived. He said thatmay likely happen as the defense may decide to take more time to compile their case.

Herzog said Zachary Parris, deputy attorney in the prosecutor’s office, will be handling the case. Herzog said the case may take a year to reach a trial, and said in that time it’s important to remember everyone has the right to a fair trial.

“This gentleman has been accused of a serious crime and he is presumed to be innocent,” Herzog said. “It’s a fundamental concept in our criminal system, and the people need to remember that.”