By Aaron Girdham
The Dalles, Oct. 26, 202 6— Prosecutors and the Defense began selecting jurors this morning in the State’s trial against Dan Garret Watson on the charge of second-degree which carries a 25 year mandatory prison sentence.
Amanda Harman
Two potential jurors were removed during the selection process this morning in front of Wasco County Circuit Court Judge John Wolf. Proceedings began around 9 a.m. By break at 11:45 a.m., three additional jurors were coming under scrutiny as the case was widely publicized when Amanda Harman was found deceased, the victim of multiple stab wounds, according to local authorities.
The trial has been scheduled through Nov. 13 - three full weeks.
Seth White of Sherwood is the attorney defending Watson, who entered the courtroom in a suit and sat next to his attorney face forward, unmoving. For the state, Wasco County District Attorney Kara Davis and Caleb Berthelsen are handling the prosecution.
The courtroom was heavily guarded as several Wasco County Deputies screened everyone attending the proceedings for weapons, before they could enter the courtroom.
The brutal killing has spurred ill will in the community and Watson’s safety has been a concern even prior to his arrest.
During a pretrial meeting, authorities stated that DNA evidence connects the suspect to the crime scene.
Watson has maintained his innocence since being charged with the murder on June 30, 2023.
Watson is the primary suspect of the murder of Harman, who was 35 at the time of her death. Police confirmed Watson had been affiliated with Harman and her partner Colt Brace in the past.
Harman’s body was found at the driveway of her residence on Ayre’s Drive located outside of The Dalles, on March 17, 2023. Medical personnel pronounced her death was due to several stab wounds. Watson is suspected of committing the murder and fleeing the scene in Harman’s stolen Kubota. He also stands accused of first-degree burglary, unauthorized use of a vehicle, and unauthorized use of a weapon.
