SNOHOMISH, Wash. — The man accused of attacking two women inside their own home with a carpet cutter -- killing one of them -- appeared in Snohomish County Court today.
John Kuljis, 31, is facing first-degree murder charges and assault charges for the death of 78-year-old Barbara Decker and the injuries to her daughter 62-year-old Janine Shaffer.
Today in court, his defense attorney argued that the attack was not premeditated and the charges should be downgraded to second-degree murder.
Prosecutors said because Kuljis allegedly killed Decker first and then summoned her daughter into the bathroom where he attacked her, he planned the crime. The judge found probable cause to pursue first-degree murder charges.
HEARTBREAKING: son of murder vic said ystrday his mom prob baked 4 man accused of killing her. He says he found this on her kitchen counter. pic.twitter.com/hJza13nQC0
— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 21, 2017
John Kuljis:no crim history but due to what prosecutors call propensity for "random attack" ask for $5M bail. Judge sets $1.5M @KIRO7Seattle
— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 21, 2017
John Kuljis now appearing before judge in Snohomish co court. Accused of killing/injuring a mother/daughter in #snohomish. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/HBTxNetulX
— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 21, 2017
This is John Kuljis, the man accused of killing/attacking a mother & daughter at a #Snohomish house. He's in court today. @KIRO7Seattle pic.twitter.com/2iZUDJ6YGP
— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 21, 2017
This is a pic of vics in #snohomish attack. Barbara Decker (in blue) was killed; Janine Shaffer critically injured. @KIRO7Seattle at noon. pic.twitter.com/PYbhvIz3ZX
— Joanna Small (@JoannaKIRO7) February 20, 2017
Cox Media Group