Daughter recalls discovery of mother dead, under bed

By Jeremy Pawloski | The Olympian • Published May 09, 2008

Prosecutor Christy Peters said Braae's movements in 2001, after Lacey police announced in the media that they were looking for him, showed consciousness of guilt. Braae is serving a prison sentence in Idaho for aggravated assault and eluding an officer after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase there and shooting at police, also in July 2001.

In his attempt to elude police, he also jumped off a 40-foot bridge into the Snake River. Peters said there was evidence he tried to drown a police dog sent to capture him.

Peters said in opening statements that the DNA tying Braae to Jones' rape and murder is a 1 in 300 billion match.

Braae was a colorful figure in Thurston County, known as "Cowboy" Mike for his western wear and country-music taste, reports say.

On Thursday, he appeared in court in glasses, jeans and a blazer, with thinning, graying hair. County officers were positioned around him, with one holding a remote control that would activate a restraining device if Brae caused any disruptions. Chief Criminal Deputy James Chamberlain has said extra precautions are being taken because of Braae's propensity for escape attempts.

In a separate case in 2006, Braae was charged with attempted murder in Yakima County. That case ended in a mistrial. Braae was accused of shooting Marchelle Morgan of Yelm in the head there and leaving her on the side of a road south of Union Gap.

Lacey police detective Bev Reinhold testified outside the jury's presence Thursday that past media accounts have suggested Braae is responsible for other crimes against women and disappearances in the Northwest.

Braae's trial continues today before Superior Court Judge Richard Strophy.

Jeremy Pawloski covers public safety for The Olympian. He can be reached at 360-754-5465 or jpawloski@theolympian.com.