Snohomish Suspect Booked on 1st Degree Murder

Everett, WA-  A 78-year old Snohomish County Woman was brutally murdered and her 62-year old daughter was seriously  injured after a contractor the woman hired to do construction work on her bathroom attacked the two woman with a carpet knife.

According to a release from Sheri Ireton, Director of Communications for the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, a  31-year old male was arrested around 4:00 p.m. yesterday in the 1500 block of 74th Ave SE. The man was  booked into the Snohomish County jail for 1st degree murder and 1st degree assault.

BREAKING: source- 2 ppl attacked w/ box cutter at #Snohomish res. 1 poss deceased, 1 injured. NO official confirmation. @KIRO7Seattle at 5 pic.twitter.com/2u5pUNvzjq

— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 20, 2017

 The hired Contractor, a  46-year old man who also witnessed the murder and assault is the suspect’s uncle. He was taken into custody and booked on outstanding warrants.

This is a pic of vics in #snohomish attack. Barbara Decker (in blue) was killed; Janine Shaffer critically injured. @KIRO7Seattle at noon. pic.twitter.com/PYbhvIz3ZX

— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 20, 2017

The Contractor  had been hired to do construction work on a bathroom at the victims’ residence in the 12000 block of 212th St SE in Snohomish, WA. The contractor brought his nephew to assist him.  Both women victims were at the house while the work was being done.  The 31-year old suspect is believed to have attacked both women with a carpet knife before fleeing the residence with his uncle.

 

The 78-year old woman victim died from her wounds and her daughter, the 62-year old victim remains in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.

The uncle told detectives he and the suspect fled the residence and that the suspect threw a knife out of the vehicle as they were driving. The uncle dropped the suspect off at his home, where detectives located him.

Major crimes detectives have processed the scene where the assault and murder took place, as well served a search warrant on the suspect’s residence.

The cause and manner of death, as well as the confirmation of identity, of the 78 year-old woman is pending from the Snohomish County Medical Examiner.