Clarence Dean Pedersen

A preliminary hearing will be held for the man charged with the murder of Washington resident 70-year-old Ed Jones.

Sixty-four year-old Clarence Dean Pedersen of Washington was arrested and charged with first degree murder on July 11th, the same day his roommate Jones was found deceased in their apartment. According to the criminal complaint a fixed blade knife was found on Jones’ lap and it appeared Jones suffered a stab wound to the upper torso area. A note was also found in a lockbox in Pedersen’s bedroom that stated “Kill Ed”. Pedersen made an initial court appearance on July 12th and a cash only bond of $1,000,000 was ordered. The preliminary hearing takes place at 11 a.m. Friday at the Washington County Courthouse.