Sheriff: Brothers wanted in the murder of missing Arlington couple
ARLINGTON, Wash. -- While deputies search for the bodies of a missing Arlington couple, the hunt is on for the brothers accused of murdering them.
Snohomish County Search and Rescue teams returned to areas near the property of Patrick Shunn and his wife Monique Patenaude. Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary said in a press conference Sunday that the number one priority is to find the bodies of the missing couple, and the next priority is to find the two men wanted for their murder.
“Based on evidence collected from the missing couples' vehicles as well as evidence collected from John Reed's residence, detectives believe Patrick and Monique were murdered,” said Trenary.
Trenary said brothers John and Tony Reed are now wanted for their murder.
John & Tony Reed
“Both men are convicted felons, are believed to be armed and dangerous and their current location is unknown,” said Trenary.
The Sheriff said they have surveillance video connecting the Reed brothers to the couple’s vehicles, which were found over an embankment Friday.
Trenary said the two families were involved in some kind of property dispute.
“The recovery of Patrick and Monique is our agency’s number one priority right now, for the sake of their families,” said Trenary. “Our second priority is getting the Reed brothers into custody and off the streets.”
John Reed is a former neighbor of the missing couple, and following the devastating 530 slide in Oso in 2014, our news partner the Seattle Times interviewed John Reed as an eyewitness. But this time, investigators believe he isn’t just a witness but a participant in the murder of a couple who meant a lot to this community.
“Patrick and Monique are a loving couple who are loved by friends and family. Their 20 acre farm and their animals are their passion. They love the outdoors and love their family and friends and most of all love life. Wherever they are they are together,” said the couple’s family in a statement.
Deputies said the Reed brothers were in Ellensburg where their parents live and may be driving a 2007 Volkswagon with Washington license plate AXH5106.
If you have any information, call 9-1-1.
The families of Patrick and Monique released a statement following Sunday's press conference.
First off, we appreciate the effort that the community and specifically law enforcement has put forth to locate Patrick and Monique.
Patrick and Monique are a loving couple who are loved by friends and family. Their 20 acre farm and animals are their passion. They love the outdoors, love their family and friends and, most of all, love life. Wherever they are, they are together.
We appreciate efforts to organize search parties to look for Patrick and Monique. However, we’d like to ask the public to please let law enforcement authorities continue the search and the investigation. If help from the public is needed, they will let you know.
The family appreciates the media respecting our privacy.