Bend man pleads not guilty to attempted murder in baseball bat attack on roommate; Judge sets trial date for January 8th

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – A Bend man pleaded not guilty Friday to attempted murder and other charges in connection with the baseball bat attack on his roommate last month after he failed to get one during a rare in-person appearance To convince the grand jury that he shouldn't be indicted because he acted in self-defense.

Deschutes County District Judge Alycia Sykora set a Jan. 8 trial date for 66-year-old Timothy John Boyd, who also faces charges of first-degree assault and unlawful use of a weapon on Aug. 18^Th Attack that left Stephen Jay Steria, 58, critically injured at the home they shared on Southwest Arrow Wood Drive.

After his arrest, Boyd's attorney, Evander McIver, requested that his client appear in person before the grand jury, which would weigh the evidence and decide whether there was enough evidence to formally indict him.

Prosecutors had objected to the requested in-person appearance before the grand jury, citing safety concerns, but the judge agreed to allow it.

McIver has filed a motion to quash the indictment, claiming Boyd's visible shackles and the presence of deputies guarding him put the grand jury at a disadvantage to his client. A hearing on the motion is scheduled for next Wednesday.