Clarence Pedersen

An arraignment is scheduled this Friday for a Washington man charged with first degree murder in the death of his roommate 70-year-old Ed Jones.

A formal reading of the criminal charge will be read to 64-year-old Clarence Pedersen and he is expected to give a plea. Pedersen was arrested and charged with first degree murder on July 11th when Jones was found dead in their apartment earlier that day. According to the criminal complaint it appeared Jones suffered a stab wound to the upper torso area, and a fixed-blade knife was found on Jones’ lap. A lock box was found in Pedersen’s bedroom containing notes that read “Kill Ed” and “Kill yourself, suicide.” The arraignment will take place at 9 a.m. Friday at the Washington County Courthouse.