A new judge has been assigned to the case of a Lapwai man accused of causing the boat collision on the Snake River that killed a Lewiston boy earlier this month.
Judge John Henry was appointed Monday to preside over the Asotin County case charging 34-year-old Gordon Higheagle with homicide by watercraft and four counts of reckless endangerment. He is being held on $500,000 bond in the Asotin County Jail.
Authorities say 15-year-old Jonas Yochum was killed the night of Aug. 14 when the boat he was on near Red Wolf Crossing Bridge was struck by another boat driven by Higheagle. Higheagle allegedly was traveling at a high speed and alcohol is believed to have been a factor.
Higheagle had filed an affidavit of prejudice against Asotin County Superior Court Judge William Acey, saying he does not believe he could have a fair and impartial trial.
Higheagle was arraigned on Aug. 23 and is scheduled to enter a plea later this week.
