John Reed goes on trial for allegedly killing couple near Oso and hiding bodies with brother

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — A trial is underway for a man charged with killing a woman and her husband and hiding their bodies in the woods northeast of Seattle in 2016.

The Daily Herald reports the trial against 55-year-old John Reed started Thursday in Snohomish County.

Authorities say Reed executed his neighbors, Monique Patenaude and Patrick Shunn near Oso, and that Reed and his brother, Tony, hid the bodies along a remote logging road before fleeing to Mexico.

Patrick Shunn, 45, right, and his wife, 46-year-old Monique Patenaude

Prosecutors say the couple was slain over a property feud.

Reed is charged with two counts of aggravated murder. Defense attorney Phil Sayles said Thursday he expects Reed to testify that he was forced to act in self-defense.

Reed's brother was sentenced to 14 months in jail after pleading guilty to helping hide the bodies and showing police the grave site.