Suspect In Alaska Killing Ordered Held

EVERETT - A man facing a murder charge in Alaska was ordered held on $500,000 bond yesterday until arrangements can be made for his return to that state, the Snohomish County prosecutor's office said.

Ronald Geiger, 58, has refused to waive extradition, which means Alaska officials must ask Gov. Mike Lowry for a governor's warrant returning him for trial.

Alaska has made the request, but the warrant had not been issued in time for yesterday's extradition hearing, said legal assistant Dave Wold.

Geiger is charged in the October death of Robert "Hank" Dawson, who died when a bomb destroyed his truck in Palmer, Alaska.

Also facing a first-degree murder charge in the case is Jim Wheeler of Wasilla, Alaska, who is accused of paying Geiger $13,000 to plant the bomb that killed Dawson. Alaska State Troopers say Wheeler was in love with Dawson's wife.

Geiger left Alaska shortly after Dawson's death, heading for Everett, where his son lives.