KVBC.com
Raven Navajo, the transgender accused of murder pleaded not guilty Monday. Navajo has been in jail since being arrested last month.
The 41 year old is charged in connection with the death of Brenda Schmalfeldt, a local cocktail waitress. Her body has never been found.
Before entering the plea, Navajo asked the judge to allow a transgender attorney to handle the case.
“I’d also ask for the simple fact that I gave nearly 20 years in the military… as an honorable discharge veteran and four years in a war, so I’m just asking for a simple council of a transgender to address transgender issues. The attorney here has told me she hasn’t really dealt with transgender issues.”
The judge denied the request. Navajo accepted the attorney from the Public Defender’s Office. A trial date has been scheduled for late July.