LONGVIEW — The man charged with murdering another man and dumping his body on a remote logging road in Ariel in 2024 declined a plea deal Tuesday from prosecutors and may face trial.

Joseph Klimas, 46, of Vancouver, was expected to plead guilty Tuesday afternoon but declined and requested a trial instead.

Klimas signed a speedy trial waiver, which was accepted by presiding Cowlitz County Superior Court Judge Thad Scudder.

According to arresting documents, Klimas is accused of shooting Cesar Reyes, 46, of Portland, whose body was discovered Nov. 11 on a logging road near the 6500 block of Lewis River Road in Ariel, near Lake Merwin.

It is unclear what type of deal Klimas was offered. He has a hearing scheduled for Nov. 18, with a possible jury trial starting Jan. 12.

Klimas is charged

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