PORT ANGELES — After a few false starts, Robert Gene Covarrubias will be sentenced Thursday in Clallam County Superior Court.

The sentencing date was agreed upon Tuesday morning, capping a series of delays.

A jury convicted the 25-year-old ex-convict of first-degree murder in April for raping and strangling 15-year-old Melissa Leigh Carter in December 2004.

Covarrubias pleaded not guilty and has maintained his innocence.

His attorney, public defender Ralph Anderson, said Covarrubias is ready to move forward.

“Rob wants to get sentenced,” Anderson said.

Within 10 days of the sentencing, Anderson said he will file a series of motions asking Judge George Wood to throw out the conviction and to grant a new trial.

Impropriety alleged

Anderson said that Prosecuting Attorney Deborah Kelly improperly cross-examined Covarrubias when he took the stand during his trial.

Anderson also said that Kelly briefly presented improper instructions to jurors.

Kelly has said she would file a motion in response to Anderson’s motion, which he has yet to file.

The hearing is set for Thursday at 9 a.m. in Clallam County Superior Court.