Teenager pleads not guilty in parents’ murder

Ethan Alexander Orton is accused of stabbing parents to death Oct. 14

Nov. 29, 2021 4:44 pm, Updated: Jan. 20, 2022 9:55 am

361 Carnaby Dr. NE is sealed off in Cedar Rapids on Oct. 14. Ethan Orton, 17, is accused in the slayings of his parents, Misty Orton, 41, and Casey Orton, 42. The home is the scene of a double-homicide, (Rebecca F. Miller/The Gazette)

361 Carnaby Dr. NE is sealed off in Cedar Rapids on Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021. Ethan Orton, 17, is accused in the slayings of his parents. (The Gazette)

The Cedar Rapids teenager accused of killing his parents has entered not guilty pleas to two counts of first-degree murder in arraignment documents filed Monday.

Ethan Alexander Orton, 17, was charged as an adult in the killings of Misty Scott Slade, 41, and Casey Orton, 42, in their home at 361 Carnaby Dr. NE in the early morning hours of Oct. 14.

He has pleaded not guilty to charges, but has not waived his right to a speedy trial. A trial date was not immediately set Monday afternoon.

After receiving a 911 call around 2 a.m. Oct. 14 for suspicious noises coming from the residence, Cedar Rapids police reported they arrived at the Orton house and found the accused sitting outside, covered in “what appeared to be blood.”

According to a criminal complaint, Orton told officers he had stabbed both his parents, but then turned to an ax when his mother was still alive.

Casey Orton and Misty Scott Slade both worked for McGrath Auto in Cedar Rapids. The couple moved from the Salt Lake area of Utah to Cedar Rapids about four and a half years ago, McGrath Auto General Manager Gavin McGrath told The Gazette.

Orton’s bail was set at $2 million cash-only for both counts by 6th Judicial Associate District Judge Angie Johnston during his initial court appearance on Oct. 14.

The Orton case will be prosecuted by Assistant County Attorney Mike Harris, Linn County Attorney’s Office told The Gazette.

Comments: (319) 398-8469; michaela.ramm@thegazette.com