Inmate Testifies In Doll Trial -- He Says Clark Told Of Witness Tampering

EVERETT - A convicted child rapist testified yesterday that Richard M. Clark, accused of slaying Roxanne Doll two years ago, made at least one potentially self-incriminating remark while the two were in jail.

Eugene Hillius, who is serving a 72-year-sentence at the Washington State Penitentiary in Walla Walla, told a jury that Clark said he was mad at his brother for not lying about blood found in his van.

Police arrested Clark two years ago on investigation of witness-tampering after he allegedly asked his younger stepbrother, Elza Clark, to lie to police and tell them that bloodstains found in Clark's van were from a deer the two had poached. Elza Clark had refused to lie.

A week after Clark was arrested on witness-tampering, he was charged with murder in Roxanne's slaying.

Hillius said Clark had made the remark while the two were in Snohomish County Jail last year.

In cross-examination, defense attorney Bill Jaquette pointed out through questioning that Hillius had testified against other prisoners twice before. He suggested Hillius was lying and trying to gain favor with prosecutors by testifying before he was sentenced.

But Hillius insisted that he had nothing to gain.

Jurors also heard that Hillius has numerous felony convictions, including child rape, incest, molestation, unlawful imprisonment, forgery and theft.

Snohomish County Deputy Prosecutor Ron Doersch had also hoped to introduce another remark that Clark allegedly made while in jail, but Superior Court Judge Richard Thorpe ruled it was irrelevant to Clark's trial.

While watching television with other inmates, Clark allegedly made a lewd comment about sexually assaulting a girl as she was being killed in a show.

Before testimony began yesterday, Thorpe released a male juror, who told the court he had accepted a new job and would be needed to supervise training before his departure.

The jury now consists of nine men and three women. Two men and one woman remain as alternates.

Clark, 28, of Everett, is charged with aggravated-first-degree murder, first-degree rape and first-degree kidnapping in Roxanne's slaying. She was reported missing from her South Everett home April 1, 1995; her body was found on a North Everett hillside April 8.

If convicted, Clark could get the death penalty.

The prosecution may be able to wrap up its case late next week.