Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

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Recent Cowlitz County District Court TrialsOn July 6, 2026, a Cowlitz County District Court jury found Bernard Sours gui...
08/04/2026

Recent Cowlitz County District Court Trials

On July 6, 2026, a Cowlitz County District Court jury found Bernard Sours guilty of two counts of abandoning junk vehicles and one count of making a false statement to a public servant. The Court sentenced Sours to three days jail to be served concurrently with the 36-month prison sentence Sours recently received after he was convicted of drug delivery charges in Cowlitz County Superior Court. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Ostrove.

On July 10, 2026, in a bench trial, Cowlitz County District Court Judge John Hays found the defendant guilty of driving under the influence, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alex Panutich.

On July 13, 2026, a Cowlitz County District Court jury found the defendant guilty of one count of assault in the fourth degree and not guilty of a second count of assault in the fourth degree. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Ostrove.

On July 20, 2026, a Cowlitz County District Court jury found the defendant guilty of one count of assault in the fourth degree. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Ostrove.

On August 3, 2026, in a bench trial, Cowlitz County District Court Judge Kevin Blondin found the defendant guilty of two counts of assault in the fourth degree for assaults committed by the defendant against others while she was incarcerated in the Cowlitz County Jail. The State was represented at trial by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alex Panutich.

We appreciate the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and Cowlitz County Corrections for their work investigating these crimes and assistance during these trials.

Madarash Found Guilty of Attempting to EludeOn August 3, 2026, a Cowlitz County Superior Court jury found Kenny Madarash...
08/04/2026

Madarash Found Guilty of Attempting to Elude

On August 3, 2026, a Cowlitz County Superior Court jury found Kenny Madarash guilty of attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle with an endangerment enhancement and theft in the third degree. At trial, the jury heard evidence that Madarash and a female exited the Wal-Mart store in Woodland without paying for 14 items and entered a gray Ford Escape. Shortly after the theft, Woodland police saw Madarash driving the Ford on southbound I-5. In a marked patrol vehicle, a Woodland police officer pursued Madarash with his overhead emergency lights and siren activated. While fleeing from the officer, Madarash traveled over 100 miles per hour and drove erratically. Due to the danger presented to other drivers, the Woodland police called off the pursuit.

After reviewing the Woodland Police Department’s investigation, the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office charged Madarash with attempting to elude a pursuing police officer while endangering other drivers and theft in the third degree. The jury found Madarash guilty after a one-day jury trial.

We appreciate the work of the Woodland Police Department who investigated this matter. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Oleg Balabon.

Laurila’s Attempted Murder Conviction Affirmed on AppealThe Court of Appeals affirmed Mark Laurila’s convictions for Att...
07/06/2026

Laurila’s Attempted Murder Conviction Affirmed on Appeal
The Court of Appeals affirmed Mark Laurila’s convictions for Attempted Murder in the First Degree and Felony Harassment. The Court of Appeals entered a mandate terminating review on May 6, 2026.

On September 7, 2023, Laurila and his son were in a heated argument that escalated into a fight. Laurila swung a knife at his son. As he swung the knife, Laurila screamed at his son that he would kill him. While trying to avoid being slashed in the neck, his son suffered a deep wound to his hand, requiring surgery, as well as cuts to his wrist and legs. After a jury trial in March of 2024, Laurila was found guilty in Cowlitz County Superior Court.

On appeal, Laurila argued the trial court improperly excluded evidence of a prior assault by his son. The Court of Appeals disagreed, finding the trial court had not abused its discretion in its evidentiary rulings. The Court of Appeals agreed with the trial court that because Laurila did not testify to being fearful based on past interactions, this evidence was not relevant to his state of mind at the time of the crime. Laurila also argued there was insufficient evidence of attempted murder. However, the Court of Appeals rejected this argument, finding evidence of threats to hurt his son the night before combined with multiple attempts to stab his son, while threatening to kill him, was sufficient evidence for the jury to find him guilty of attempted murder.

The State was represented at trial and on appeal by Assistant Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Tony Carlow. We appreciate the work of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office deputies who investigated this case.

July 4, 1776 - 2026“The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought.” - Samuel Ada...
07/02/2026

July 4, 1776 - 2026

“The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought.” - Samuel Adams

In honor of 250 years of independence, we are grateful for the country in which we live. Whether you are enjoying the Go Fourth Festival at the lake, spending time with family, or remembering those who served, we hope you have a wonderful time appreciating the United States of America.

As you celebrate this historic birthday of our country, please do so responsibly. Happy 4th of July!

Ryan P. Jurvakainen
Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney

Carinio Guilty of Felony Harassment for Threatening Law EnforcementOn June 30, 2026, after a one-day trial, a Cowlitz Co...
07/01/2026

Carinio Guilty of Felony Harassment for Threatening Law Enforcement

On June 30, 2026, after a one-day trial, a Cowlitz County Superior Court jury found Michael Carinio guilty of Felony Harassment of a Criminal Justice Participant.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Officer Jaden Blain of the Longview Police Department contacted and arrested Carinio on an outstanding warrant. Carinio began threatening Officer Blain telling him he would come after him and that he needed to be “six feet under.” He also threatened to assault him. Officer Blain was able to overcome physical resistance by Carinio and force him into his patrol vehicle so that he could be transported to the Cowlitz County Jail.

Our office appreciates the risks that police officers, like Officer Blain, take in serving our community. We are grateful for his assistance during the trial. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Haley Jaskula.

Garcia Sentenced for Controlled Substance HomicideOn June 17, 2026, Baylee Garcia was sentenced in Cowlitz County Superi...
06/23/2026

Garcia Sentenced for Controlled Substance Homicide

On June 17, 2026, Baylee Garcia was sentenced in Cowlitz County Superior Court for Controlled Substances Homicide, a Class B felony. Garcia previously pled guilty to delivering a controlled substance to a 15-year-old male who overdosed and died as a result. Garcia’s standard sentencing range was 51-68 months. Because Garcia was 20 years old on the date of the offense, his attorney requested a sentence below the standard sentencing range based on mitigating qualities of youth. The State requested a high-end sentence of 68 months. The court sentenced Garcia within his standard sentencing range to a sentence of 51 months in prison and 12 months of community custody upon release.

We appreciate the work of the Longview Police Department who investigated this matter. We express our condolences to the family of the victim for their great loss. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Jacob Lervold.

Teel Sentenced in Depictions of Minors CaseOn June 17, 2026, Greggery Teel was sentenced for one count of Dealing in Dep...
06/17/2026

Teel Sentenced in Depictions of Minors Case

On June 17, 2026, Greggery Teel was sentenced for one count of Dealing in Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree and three counts of Possession of Depictions of a Minor Engaged in Sexually Explicit Conduct in the First Degree. Teel’s standard sentencing range was 87-116 months. The court sentenced Teel to 108 months (nine years) in prison followed by a term of community custody upon release.

We appreciate the work of the Longview Police Department who investigated this matter. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Alysa Draper-Dehart.

Higher Courts Reject Lancaster’s Attempt to Appeal Murder ConvictionOn June 2, 2026, the Washington State Supreme Court ...
06/11/2026

Higher Courts Reject Lancaster’s Attempt to Appeal Murder Conviction

On June 2, 2026, the Washington State Supreme Court refused to modify an earlier ruling of the Supreme Court Commissioner denying Sean Lancaster’s attempt to file a late notice of appeal 18 years after having pled guilty to Murder in the First Degree.

On January 23, 2007, Lancaster pled guilty to Murder in the First Degree and Burglary in the First Degree. When he pled guilty Lancaster told the court: “I unlawfully entered my wife and sister-in-law’s home and I stabbed Jim Morgan to death.” He also told the court he had acted with premeditated intent to kill Jim Morgan. When asked why he was pleading guilty, Lancaster told the court: “Because I am guilty.” Former Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge James Warme sentenced Lancaster to 486 months in prison.

On April 9, 2025, Lancaster filed a motion requesting permission to file an appeal beyond the normal 30-day time limit. The Court of Appeals Commissioner granted Lancaster’s motion, permitting him to appeal 18 years after entering his guilty plea. Concerned that important information had been overlooked, our office requested the Court of Appeals modify the Commissioner’s ruling. The Court of Appeals agreed with the State and reversed the Commissioner’s ruling. The Supreme Court has now refused to review this decision, bringing finality to Lancaster’s attempted appeal.

This was Lancaster’s third unsuccessful attempt since 2007 to have the appellate courts reverse his murder conviction. The State was represented on appeal by Chief Criminal Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Eric Bentson.

Conner Aguayo Sentenced as Accomplice to Murder-2On June 5, 2026, Conner Aguayo entered a guilty plea to the crime of Mu...
06/11/2026

Conner Aguayo Sentenced as Accomplice to Murder-2

On June 5, 2026, Conner Aguayo entered a guilty plea to the crime of Murder in the Second Degree for having driven Eligha Buckner-Lopez when he shot and killed Cody Tamayo during a drive-by shooting. Aguayo’s standard sentencing range was 144-244 months. On the agreement of the parties, the Court sentenced Aguayo to 180 months in prison.

Our office appreciates the support of the Kelso Police Department in investigating this crime. We hope the sentencings of Buckner-Lopez and Aguayo will help the family of Mr. Tamayo find closure as they continue to grieve his loss. The State was represented by Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jacob Lervold.

Lloyd Hill Found Guilty of Assaulting a Law Enforcement OfficerOn May 29, 2026, after a two-day jury trial, a jury found...
06/09/2026

Lloyd Hill Found Guilty of Assaulting a Law Enforcement Officer

On May 29, 2026, after a two-day jury trial, a jury found Lloyd Hill guilty of Assault in the Third Degree of a Law Enforcement Officer, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Resisting Arrest.

During the trial, the jury heard testimony that Longview Police Officer Peyton Cloke responded to a neighborhood dispute. Upon his arrival, Officer Cloke observed Hill sitting in a car. Hill had a warrant for his arrest. Hill exited the car and began walking away quickly. Officer Cloke informed Hill that because of his arrest warrant he was not free to leave. As Officer Cloke attempted to place Hill under arrest, Hill punched him in the face with his left fist. Hill was eventually placed under arrest, handcuffed, and found to have methamphetamine in his jacket pocket.

Our office recognizes that police are frequently confronted with challenging circumstances while on duty. We especially appreciate the professionalism of Officer Cloke and his assistance during the trial. The State was represented by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Haley Jaskula.

Address

312 SW 1st Avenue
Kelso, WA
98626

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

(360)5773080

Website

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