Former prison guard pleads not guilty in death of kidnapped woman

KENNEWICK, Wash. -- A former Washington state corrections officer is pleading not guilty to charges of aggravated first degree murder and kidnapping.

49-year-old Theresa L. Wiltse pleaded innocent Wednesday in Benton County Superior Court to charges of kidnapping and killing a Kennewick woman earlier this month.

The Tri-City Herald reported that trial was set for Jan. 30.

Wiltse, of Connell, is being held without bail in the Benton County jail in connection with the death of Sandra Harris.

The 69-year-old Harris went missing from her home on Nov. 18.

Her body was found 48 hourslater along a rural road about two miles east of Interstate 82. The accountant had been shot several times.

By the time Harris was found, Wiltse already was in custody after allegedly trying to collect a $250,000 ransom.