Arlington murder suspect's parents released from jail pending filing of charges

EVERETT, Wash. -- The elderly parents of fugitive murder suspect John Reed faced a judge on Wednesday for allegedly helping John and his brother Tony Reed run from the law.

Police believe John Reed murdered Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude of Arlington. Prosecutors said the brothers, John and Tony, got away with their parents' help.

Prosecutors said Reed’s parents, 77-year-old Faye Reed and 81-year-old Clyde Reed, who live in Ellensburg, have no prior criminal history, but they allegedly helped their boys escape justice by giving them both cash and a get-away car. They were arrested on suspicion of rendering criminal assistance.

Clyde and Faye Reed faced a judge through a video monitor on Wednesday.  They were released from jail Wednesday night on their personal recognizance, pending the formal filing of charges.

“I’ve been waiting, I’ve been waiting,” said Margaret Hedlund, friend of the murder victims.

Hedlund said she was pleased to hear the Reeds parents are now facing felony charges.

Both Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude bodies were found buried near Oso, Washington last month. Police suspect a property dispute spurred John Reed to kill them both – and then escape with the help of his parents.

“I knew eventually they’d have to arrest the parents,” said Hedlund. “I mean the parents admit it.”

Court records said Tony Reed helped his brother cover up after the murders by ditching the couples’ cars.

Police said after the murders the pair fled to the Ellensburg home of their parents, who are now accused of helping them get away.

Tony Reed has already turned himself into police; he later helped investigators find the bodies of both Patrick and Monique. His brother John Reed is still on the run, likely somewhere in Mexico.

“Time will run out and we will find him and we will take him into custody,” said Shari Ireton with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office.

Tony Reed had once been charged with murder, but prosecutors now believe he had nothing to do with the killings. Tony is to plead guilty Friday to two felony counts of rendering criminal assistance.