Editor’s note: More information was added following the publication of the Skagit Coroner’s report.
SKAGIT COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Sedro-Woolley man was charged with first-degree murder on Monday following an incident that left one dead just three days prior.
The Skagit County Sheriff’s office said in a release that Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene on the 17000 block of Dunbar Road west of Mount Vernon at around 4 p.m. to find a man dead in an outbuilding on the property.
The Skagit Coroner’s office identified the man as 64-year-old James Leitch and says the man died as a result of multiple chop force injuries. Coroner Hayley Thompson ruled it a homicide.
Later that day, a family member of the suspect, identified as 30-year-old Murray James Monroe, called 911 following a phone call they had with Monroe.
The family member claims Monroe told them what he had done and that he was driving to Seattle to kill himself.
Monroe was later taken into custody by Tukwila Police after he made another call to their dispatch center and told them he had killed a friend.
According to investigators, the victim and Monroe knew each other.
He is currently being held on $1 million bail at the Skagit County Jail.
