Second Murder Charge Filed In Bellevue Slaying

George Waterfield Russell faces another charge of aggravated first-degree murder because of a distinctive ring authorities say he stole from one of his victims and tried to sell.

Russell, 32, yesterday pleaded not guilty to the second murder charge filed in connection with the death of Carol Marie Beethe, 35. Her beaten body was found Aug. 9 in her East Bellevue home.

Russell earlier had pleaded not guilty of first-degree murder in the Beethe death and to two other homicide charges tied to sexually motivated slayings last summer.

The second aggravated count is another factor King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng must take into account in deciding whether to ask for the death penalty for Russell. Maleng said he will decide by early next month.

Russell appeared relaxed and frequently smiled during the hearing yesterday before King County Superior Court Judge Anthony Wartnik.

Maleng is also pondering whether Russell's aggravated-murder count in the death of Andrea ``Randy'' Levine, 24, warrants capital punishment if a jury finds him guilty. The only other possible punishment is life in prison without release.

The first aggravated-murder count also had a ring connection, but a long-distance one. King County police found Levine's gold-and-amethyst ring in Florida.

Deputy Prosecutor Jeffrey Baird said Russell tried unsuccessfully to sell Steven Crandall of Bellevue the engagement-style ring with a gold band that Beethe had worn on her left hand.

On March 5, Crandall described the still-missing ring to Bellevue police.

Russell also is charged with rape and first-degree murder in the killing of Mary Ann Pohlreich, 27, of Redmond. Pohlreich was bludgeoned June 22. Her body was found next to a trash bin near a Bellevue restaurant.

Police say the three women's bodies were stabbed repeatedly after their deaths.