Man allegedly kills stepdad in fight over beer

COWLITZ COUNTY -- A man is being held in jail after allegedly killing his 82-year-old stepdad during a fight over beer, sheriff's deputies said.

According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, the 56-year-old suspect was spotted in Pacific County driving his stepfather's car. When approached by police for an unknown violation, the suspect allegedly admitted to killing his stepfather and taking his car.

Pacific County officers called deputies in Cowlitz County who drove to the man's house and found a dead man, identified as 82-year-old Charles Marion Rees.

The suspect agreed to be transported back to Cowlitz County and interviewed. He allegedly told police he and Rees got into an argument over beer that erupted into a physical fight. The suspect allegedly told police he strangled Rees to death before taking his car and driving away. The two lived together at the home, deputies said.

The man was arrested and booked into Cowlitz County Jail under investigation of second degree murder.

Sheriff's detectives are investigating the incident. Anyone with more information can call 911 or CrimeStoppers at (360) 577-1206.