Accused rape, murder suspect appears in court (w/images)

Bond was set at $1 million this morning for the 53-year-old Clarkston man facing rape and murder charges in connection with the death of Ina Clare Richardson.

Bisir Bilal Muhammad appeared via video link in Asotin County Superior Court before Judge Ray Lutes, who determined there was probable cause to proceed with the case.

Prosecutor Ben Nichols said the defendant was arrested on two rape charges in Arkansas in 1977 and was convicted of at least one. His criminal history also includes a burglary, theft, forgery, second-degree escape, battery and residential burglary.

Muhammad, also known as Billy Joe Dallas, is a registered sex offender. He's lived in Clarkston for more than a year and had failed to register, the prosecutor said.

A public defender was appointed to represent the defendant. Muhammad's next scheduled court appearance is 11 a.m. Monday for arraignment.

Muhammad was arrested at his residence on the 1200 block of Sycamore Street Tuesday afternoon by Clarkston police and an Asotin County sheriff's deputy, according to police.

The body of Richardson, a 69-year-old Lewiston woman was discovered early Friday next to a roadway leading to a parking lot, beach and bike path on the banks of the Snake River. The well-traveled route is near Beachview Park, Chestnut Street and Beachview Boulevard.

It is the first murder reported inside the city limits since 1998. A Clarkston resident, Rachael Anderson, was strangled in 2010, but the crime occurred in Latah County.