Contrary to the popular phrase, the third time was not the charm regarding a conclusion of the pre-trial deliberations for Jordan Bowers, the biological mother and a prime suspect in the disappearance of 6-year-old Oakley Carlson.

In what has been a continuing process for the last three weeks, a delay will stall the next steps in Bowers’ court proceedings. She has been held in custody since January at Grays Harbor County on multiple charges of identity theft unrelated to the missing Oakville girl.

While the presiding judge in the case, Katherine Svoboda, previously showed a willingness to grant more time to Prosecuting Attorney Richard Petersen and Bowers’ Defense Attorney Michael Nagle to discuss negotiations during the last two hearings, it was clear Svoboda was not going to entertain another week delay as was requested.

One of the factors for the continued delays came from an emergency family matter Petersen had to address, causing him to be absent from the last two hearings on April 3 and April 10. Although Judge Svoboda gave her sympathies and said Petersen isn’t at fault, she said the matter should have been resolved.

“There are a lot of attorneys in the prosecutor’s office so I’m not sure why this could not have gotten done in the last two weeks,” Judge Svoboda said. “Just because you’re gone doesn’t mean that the work stops.”

When asked by Judge Svoboda what else is needed to discuss, Petersen said there is “some room to negotiate.”

“I don’t know if there is as much room as Mr. Nagle hopes there is but there is some room. I will discuss this with Mr. Nagle, and he can discuss it with his client, but it might be the case that we ask for a short continuance,” Petersen said.

Petersen suggesting a continuance was almost dismissed by Judge Svoboda, stating she’s not inclined to delay a scheduled jury trial for someone who is in custody for further negotiation. However, after a moment of pause, Svoboda granted both attorneys time until later this week to finalize some form of agreement.

“That’s it. The answer at that time is either a plea or confirmation of trial. Otherwise, there will have to be a written motion with unforeseen circumstances,” Judge Svoboda said.

With the hearing now set for 3 p.m. on Thursday, April 20, state prosecutors and Bowers’ defense attorney will have one last effort to agree on a plea regarding the case. If not, trial readiness will commence on Monday, April 24, and the trial will begin on May 2.

Following the hearing, Petersen told The Daily World that, outside of being absent to address a personal matter, it’s not abnormal for negotiations to be this long. Although he declined to comment on what extent the negotiations have been, he isn’t worried about the case going to trial.

“Whether we come to an agreement on a plea or not, we feel we have a strong case if it goes to trial,” Petersen said. “The only reason for negotiating is that it just saves time for a lot of people, and it can wrap up quickly.”

Contact Reporter Allen Leister at 360-463-3572 or allen.leister@thedailyworld.com