Murder case heading to mediation today

Patrick N. McGhee, 47, is accused of murdering Kelly Lynne Sallee, 55, of Spokane. She was found dead in Hauser on June 11.

McGhee was first charged with failing to report her death. Court documents filed later accused him of applying a ligature to her neck. The documents said she died on or about June 7.

The Kootenai County prosecutor's office has accused McGhee of paying Sallee for sex around the time she died and of destroying evidence on her body with bleach.

He currently is charged with second-degree murder, destruction of evidence, interstate trafficking in prostitution, procuring a prostitute and failing to notify authorities of a death. All are felonies.

McGhee's attorney, Chief Kootenai County Public Defender John Adams, confirmed the two sides are seeking to resolve the case. Adams said mediation is scheduled to be underway today with retired 1st District Court Judge John P. Luster.

Kootenai County Prosecutor Barry McHugh said Monday that mediation can serve as the best way to resolve criminal cases by bringing the interested parties to the same place, though not in the same room, to confidentially discuss their positions and work to reach a result that is in the best interests of the public.

"We don't always agree to mediation, but where we see the potential for a resolution, it is worth the time and effort to participate," McHugh said.

The case remains set for trial on Feb. 1 with Judge Cynthia Meyer.