NEWS

Corvallis man pleads not guilty to kidnapping, rapes

The Associated Press

HAMILTON (AP) – A Corvallis man could face the death penalty in the alleged kidnapping and rape of a 17-year-old mother who authorities say was forcibly injected with methamphetamine over the course of days.

Court officials said 32-year-old Byron Craig Hall pleaded not guilty during a state District Court appearance Wednesday in Ravalli County.

Hall allegedly kept the woman and her 8-month-old son prisoner in her home over five days in early February. She said he twice choked her until she passed out, injected her with methamphetamines and repeatedly raped her.

District Judge Jeffrey Langton said Hall could face the death penalty or imprisonment for 555 years and a fine of $450,000 if convicted.

He’s charged with nine felony counts including aggravated kidnapping, sexual intercourse without consent, aggravated assault, child criminal endangerment and drug charges.