Man accused in Corvallis kidnap, murder pleads not guilty
CORVALLIS, Ore.. — A man accused of kidnapping and killing 19-year-old Brooke Wilberger in 2004 pleaded not guilty Wednesday.
Joel Courtney, 41, of New Mexico sat next to a court-appointed attorney in an appearance by video. The slain woman’s family attended the hearing, which lasted less than 10 minutes.
Courtney what Corvallis extradited to Friday from New Mexico, where he had been sentenced to 18 years in prison in a separate rape and abduction case in that city.
Wilberger, a Brigham Young University student, cleaning lamp poles on May 24, 2004, outside an apartment complex in Corvallis managed her sister when she vanished, leaving behind her flip-flop shoes and a pail of soapy water.
Despite an extensive search by police and volunteers, her body has never been found. She is presumed dead and Courtney has been named as the primary suspect in her murder, although prosecutors and investigators have revealed little evidence of the ties they believe him to her death.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.
On Wednesday, Courtney’s defense lawyer said he received the case only about 20 minutes prior to the arraignment and could provide no details on the case.
Courtney’s next court appearance was scheduled for May
Courtney, a native of Oregon, ie face charges that he tried to kill and kidnap two other victims in Corvallis.
Benton County District Attorney John Haroldson said the other crimes “were in close proximity and time, and the students who were victims were roughly the same age as Wilberger, who was 19
At a news conference following the extradition, Haroldson declined to talk about whether the case may be hindered because a body has not been found. He said he would be revealing key aspects of the investigation if he answered that question.
Haroldson said he has remained in “constant contact” with the family in Wilberger Veneta, adding they have shown incredible patience. ”
“They have no circumstances faced parent should ever have to bear,” he said.
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