ROYAL tbe the fem, Woman blasts accused killer’s access to kids A NORTH Vancouver woman is furi- ous that a Spokane judge has released the alleged murderer of her daughter on bail. By Anna Marie D'Angelo News Reporter “He is out with my grandchildren and he is an (alleged) murderer, ts unbelievable.” said Mary. Macinnes. 64, on Thursday, MacInnes’ 36-year-old) daughter, Mary (Cookie) Birnel, was stabbed to death on March 30 in her Spokane, Washington, home. Birnel's husband. Rick Bimel, 39. is charged with second-degree murder in connec- tion with the death of his wife. Maclnnes takes issue with the fact that Rick Bime) was released from jail on $25,000 bail and is allowed to have contact with Mary Birnel's five children. ’ “Iam so furious about this. ICs ridiculous. He is even with his children. I have no rights, have seen my grandchildren once (in the three weeks after the alleged murder) and [had to be supervised,” said MacInnes. She said Rick Bimel was released within a week of her daughter's death, Spokane courity deputy prosecuting attorney Dannette Allen said a guardian is in charge of the children’s care as stipulated by court order. “My understanding is she (the guardian) is allowing contact (by the accused) with the chil- dren,” said Allen. Allen said the guardian has the discretion to allow Rick Birnel to visit with the children. The dead woman was a mother of five and originally from Hatifax. Mary (Cookie) Bimel lived in Spokane for 10 years, said Macinnes. Mary (Cookie) Birnel’s oldest child is 17 and a Canadian citizen. The youngest is [4 months old, said Macinnes. “The seven-year-old (allegedly) saw the whole thing. She hid behind a couch,” said MacInnes. Macinnes said she hired a lawyer and is try- ing to obtain custody of at least two of her grandchildren, one of whom is not Rick Birnel’s child. “I don’t have any rights at all. | have noth- ing, nothing. My daughter is not even buried yet and I don’t even have a say in that,” said a frus- trated Macinnes. Birnel is scheuled to appear in Spokane County superior court on July 21. es ae thy oe fas eaten ad seen Soares AN EXPLOSION at the North Shore's Mohawk Lubricants plant spewed flames and black smoke into the air east of the Second Narrows Bridge on Friday morning. By fan Noble News Reporter Plant manager Matt Waldner said hot leaking oil contacted a flame used to heat o ee hist he ote est Sar See Ente n ee ni Ff Re NEWS photo Cindy Goodman NORTH VANCOUVER'S Mary Macinnes holds a picture of her daughter, Mary (Cookie) Birnel, who was allegedly killed by her husband in Spokane last month. the oif and created the explosion. Company president Don O'Connor said Friday the leak that caused the 7:50 a.m. blast at the Forester Road plant in North Vancouver District was in a section of line between a tank and a pump. He added that an investigation is on- going. Friday's incident at blast marked the first such the 15-year-old plant, where See Fire page 3 Si Monday: Cloudy with showers, High 16°C, low 6'C. msice the news Businese................ secarsen AE @ Civil Suits. 12 Classifieds........39 |: Ofe] | Lis} Seen sah Hi Crossword.. @ Day in Court. B Hunter. ne 7 Hi inquiring Reporter... 710 @ Municipal Affairs... 11 N. Shore Alert............12 ® Sunshine Girl.. 23 & TV Listings.................36 Vintage Vears............2G @ Weddingg.......................34 @ Wright. 8 Boat and water safety guide: Charity ball game at Argyle: 25. 16 fashion # The changing face of retail: 17 A king is crowned at Carson Graham: 18 Lonsdale Edgemont Deep Cove West Van,