Snohomish Co. Sheriff reacts to John Reed's capture in Mexico

SNOHOMISH COUNTY — After more than three months on the run, a Snohomish County man charged with murder is in jail in Arizona.
 
Mexican authorities arrested John Reed, 53, Thursday night and turned him over to the .U.S. marshals.
   
Reed is charged in the deaths of an Oso couple, who were finally be laid to rest Friday near Portland, Oregon.

"We felt like he was a risk to the public. We believe that, so to know that he's in custody is great, because that means the public is no longer at risk," Snohomish County Sheriff's Ty Trenary said.

Reed was arrested by Mexican authorities near Puerto Penasco, a tourist town just 66 miles from Arizona, nicknamed Rocky Point.
 
Coincidentally the same day, Snohomish County prosecutors upgraded his murder charge to aggravated murder, guaranteeing if he's convicted, he'll either be sentenced to life in prison or death.
 
In May, John Reed's brother, Tony Reed, who had also fled to Mexico, turned himself in in California.

He pleaded guilty to helping his older brother hide the vehicles and bodies of Patrick Shunn and Monique Patenaude in deep woods near their Oso house.
 
Court documents revealed John Reed shot the husband and wife from just inches away.
 
"It's a horrible case, knowing the details and what transpired with Patrick and Monique is terrible," Trenary said. He said the grief is as strong as the relief.

Prosecutors have also charged Faye and Clyde Reed, Tony and John Reed's parents, with rendering criminal assistance. Their next court appearance is Aug. 4.

Cox Media Group