Pair Named in SUV Fires

Federal prosecutors have revealed the identities of two fugitives wanted in connection with a night of arson attacks, carried out in the name of a radical environment group, last year at four SUV dealerships in the San Gabriel Valley.

The disclosure came as the prosecution and defense prepared for the trial next week of William Jensen Cottrell, a 23-year-old Caltech graduate student charged with participating in the August 2003 attacks.

Named as co-conspirators in court papers filed late last week were Tyler Johnson and Michie Oe. No further details about their identities or backgrounds were provided. Prosecutors had said that Cottrell had two collaborators, a man and a woman who were believed to have fled the country.

The prosecution cited the pair by name in response to a defense motion that they be identified at trial only as “A” and “B,” and not as fugitives. In conversations with friends and associates, Cottrell repeatedly mentioned their names and must bear the consequences, prosecutors countered.

Prosecutors went on to say that evidence about fugitive co-conspirators is “inextricably intertwined with evidence of the defendant’s own involvement,” and corroborates admissions that he allegedly made about the arson attacks to acquaintances, who are expected to testify.

Cottrell’s lawyers also have asked U.S. District Judge Gary Klausner to bar any mention of eco-terrorism, terrorism or the radical Earth Liberation Front during the trial. Prosecutors responded that it would be impossible to do so, given that the vandals spray-painted “ELF,” “terrorist” and “SUV=terrorism” on the sides of sport utility vehicles. Klausner has not yet ruled on the pretrial motions.

Cottrell, who was studying for a doctorate in physics, is charged with conspiracy, arson and using a destructive device. If convicted of all charges, he could face a minimum of 35 years in prison.

The defense is expected to contend that the two alleged co-conspirators duped Cottrell into accompanying them on what turned out to be an arson spree.

In court documents, the defense said that “A” and “B” told him that they simply were going to paste derogatory bumper stickers on the SUVs.

Cottrell’s lawyers also assert that he suffers from Asperger’s syndrome, a form of autism that is marked by impaired social awareness and functioning. They say the disorder makes it difficult for him to read other people’s intentions.