Accused Family-Killer Wants To Die

SALEM - A South King County man who wants to be put to death for shooting to death his estranged wife and their three young children has refused to enter a plea in the case.

David Whitson's lawyers first want to know whether the prosecution intends to seek the death penalty.

One of his attorneys said Whitson wants the death penalty and wants it "as quickly as possible."

Whitson is accused of the Sept. 11 shootings of Laura Whitson, 36; Sarah, 5; Rachel, 2; and April, 5 months. The shootings took place at Laura Whitson's mother's house in Scotts Mills.

District Attorney Dale Penn said he was not yet ready to take a position on the death penalty in the case.