Hauser Lake murder case heading to trial Feb. 1

COEUR d'ALENE — The second-degree murder case against Patrick N. McGhee is heading toward trial after his defense lawyer and prosecutors couldn't reach an agreement during mediation.

McGhee, 47, is accused of murdering prostitute Kelly Lynne Sallee, 55, of Spokane. She was found dead at Hauser Lake on June 11.

A not guilty plea has been entered. He is being held at the Kootenai County jail.

Prosecutors filed court documents accusing McGhee of applying a ligature to her neck, and saying she was killed on or about June 7. He was initially only charged with failing to report her death to authorities.

Now prosecutors alleged he paid Sallee for sex shortly before she was killed. They also accused him of destroying evidence on her body with bleach.

McGhee’s attorney, Chief Kootenai County Public Defender John Adams, said the two sides couldn't reach a deal to resolve the case. Retired 1st District Court Judge John P. Luster was working with the two sides.

The jury trial is scheduled for Feb. 1 with Judge Cynthia Meyer.

The charges against McGhee — in addition to second-degree murder — include destruction of evidence, interstate trafficking in prostitution, procuring a prostitute and failing to notify authorities of a death. All are felony charges.