Braae convicted of murder, rape

• Published May 22, 2008

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"Cowboy" Mike Braae was convicted of first degree murder and rape this morning in the 2001 death of Lori Jones.

Braae testified for more than three hours Tuesday in his trial on charges of rape and murder. He argued with Chief Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim, who allowed Braae, 48, to expound on his prowess as a ladies' man who wooed women in bars by playing his guitar and singing country songs, as well as his ability to elude police.

Braae was arrested in Idaho on July 20, 2001. He was wanted by Lacey police for questioning in connection with Jones' homicide after his fingerprint was found in Jones' apartment. Braae led Idaho police on a 40-mile car chase that ended when he jumped off of a 40-foot bridge into the Snake River. Braae was hauled onto a police boat after he tried to drown a police dog that was sent into the water to catch him, an Idaho sheriff's deputy testified.

For more details, check this site and Friday's Olympian.