Scathing statements given at U.P. murder suspect's arraignment

CRYSTAL FALLS — The man accused of shooting and killing a woman last month in Alpha was arraigned this afternoon in Iron County.

56 year old Alfred Saario is accused of shooting and killing his stepdaughter, 29–year–old Jamie Lee James, on June 22nd.

He’s charged with one count of open murder and discharging a firearm in or at a building causing death.

During the court hearing, Iron County Prosecutor Melissa Powell asked Judge William Schwedler to set Saario’s bail at five million dollars.

“I believe that he’s extremely dangerous,” said Powell. “I believe he’s homicidal and suicidal. I believe that to any other person he poses a potential for suicide in our jail, he poses a potential for homicide of any other person and he poses the risk of a hostage situation.”

Judge Schwedler set Saario’s bail at $500,000. He’s due back in court August first for a preliminary exam. Due to an ongoing medical issue, Saario is unable to speak.

He communicated with his attorney and the judge by writing on a dry erase board.