A 29-year-old Kennewick man who was scheduled to appear in court Thursday on a third-degree assault charge was found dead Sunday.
Liam David Hermsen died of an apparent drug overdose, said Benton County Coroner Rick Corson. He said an autopsy was being completed Tuesday.
Hermsen was to appear in Benton County Superior Court on a charge of slashing a man's neck with a broken beer bottle during a fight at a party June 7.
He previously pleaded innocent to attacking Anthony A. Wofford, 32, saying he acted in self-defense.
Hermsen, who had lived in the Tri-Cities for 18 years and described himself as an artist, had previous convictions for theft, trespass and obstructing a public officer over the past two years.
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Richland dealer gets 5-year sentence for heroin death
Richland dealer gets 5-year sentence for heroin death
A Richland heroin dealer who admitted that his drugs have killed people was told Wednesday that if he doesn't get help in prison, he will end up dead.
Brian Haney Burt was ordered to spend five years behind bars for the death of a 44-year-old grandmother who overdosed after using his heroin.
The sentence handed down in Benton County Superior Court was for his guilty plea earlier this month to one count of controlled substance homicide.
Dealer admits giving heroin to man who died
Dealer admits giving heroin to man who died
A 35-year-old man admitted Tuesday that he gave heroin to a Pasco man who ended up dying from the drug.
Brian Haney Burt entered his second guilty plea in a case that police and prosecutors say ultimately involved the deaths of five people. However, Burt's plea agreement in Franklin and Benton counties is only for two people -- a 21-year-old man and a 44-year-old grandmother.
His admission Tuesday in Franklin County Superior Court to controlled substance homicide is for the death of Derek Scott Bradley.
Richland heroin dealer admits guilt in 2 overdose deaths
Richland heroin dealer admits guilt in 2 overdose deaths
A Richland heroin dealer who knew that people were dying from his drugs, but kept delivering to feed his own addiction, is facing five years in prison for the overdose deaths of two Tri-Citians.
Brian Haney Burt, 35, pleaded guilty Wednesday in Benton County Superior Court to the death of a 44-year-old grandmother, and is expected to admit in Franklin County later this month that he had a role in a 21-year-old man's death.
Yet prosecutors pointed out that Burt and his "high-quality" heroin were responsible for killing five people, even though on paper the negotiated plea reached in both counties only applies to Shirley E. Sanders and Derek Scott Bradley.
Tri-City families seek justice for victims; dealer sentenced to 5 years
Tri-City families seek justice for victims; dealer sentenced to 5 years
The mother of a 21-year-old Pasco man who was killed by heroin given to him by a Richland dealer asked the court to hold the dealer responsible to the fullest extent of the law.
Brian Haney Burt, who admitted he gave heroin to Derek Scott Bradley, was sentenced to five years in prison Tuesday for Bradley's death.
"I am not a vengeful person, but I do want justice," wrote Christina M. Bradley, Derek Scott Bradley's mother, in a letter that was read by family friend Valerie Bragg.
Confession of alleged heroin addict illegal, attorney says
Confession of alleged heroin addict illegal, attorney says
The lawyer for an alleged heroin dealer charged with the overdose deaths of three Tri-Citians is challenging his initial capture, saying his rights were violated, making his confession illegal.
Brian Haney Burt, 35, is charged in Benton County Superior Court with two counts of controlled substance homicide. He also has a Franklin County case with the same charge.
During a hearing Wednesday in Benton County, lawyer Gary Metro said he believes the initial arrest for littering was inappropriate and illegal. Therefore, any later conversations Burt had with police about the heroin overdoses should be suppressed, he said.
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