Judge Says Man Who Killed Woman on First Date Can’t Change Plea

TACOMA, Wash. (AP) — A judge says a man who allegedly killed an Orting woman by beating her on their first date cannot withdraw his guilty plea.

The News Tribune reports 30-year-old Jonathan Harris argued in court Wednesday that he'd felt intimidated by his defense attorney into pleading guilty to murder and assault in the death of Nicole White.

John Sheeran with the prosecutor's office said Harris' attorney had given straightforward legal advice.

Judge Susan Serko said she didn't find Harris credible, noting she'd specifically asked him at the time of his plea if it was true he'd beaten White to death at his home, and that he said yes.

Harris and White met up in June 2015, and investigators believe he beat the 28-year-old to death after the date then dumped her body near Lake Kapowsin.

Harris is set for sentencing next month.