Supreme Court denies execution stay for Cal Brown

OLYMPIA — The state Supreme Court will not stay the execution of Cal Coburn Brown, who is slated to be put to death on Friday.

Cal Coburn Brown, 50, responsible for the 1991 slaying of Holly Washa, would become the first person executed in Washington since 2001.

Lorrie Thompson, spokeswoman for the court, said the justices released their decision today. The Supreme Court heard from Brown's defense team Thursday.

Gil Levy, one of Brown's lawyers, said last week that other appeals are still pending and likely will be heard before Friday.

Gov. Chris Gregoire this morning declined to comment on whether she supports the execution. She said she is still being briefed.

Brown carjacked Holly Washa, 22, at knife point near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and held her captive for 34 hours at a motel. The Burien woman was raped, robbed, tortured and slashed to death. Her body was left in her car's trunk.

Jennifer Sullivan: 360-236-8267 or jensullivan@seattletimes.com