Brian Keith Brown, the man accused of killing a Rainier Beach gardener with a single punch, pled not guilty today to second-degree murder charges. The hearing was brief, reportedly taking only five minutes, but it's just the beginning of what is sure to be a long and emotional case. Brown will be tried later this year, where we imagine an objective jury could be difficult to find. Until trial, he'll remain in jail. He's been forbidden by the judge to have contact with the three women also involved in the traffic altercation, including his girlfriend. more ›

Seattle police have filed second-degree murder charges against 28-year-old Brian Keith Brown in the beating death of James Paroline. Brown delivered a single punch that killed Paroline, who was tending a traffic circle garden last Wednesday in Rainier Beach. Police are searching for the suspect who is still at large and a $500,000 warrant has been issued. Brown has a history of violence and has been previously convicted for third-degree assault, after nearly choking an ex-girlfriend to death. more ›