A man from Federal Way, Washington, has been arrested and is facing murder charges after his parents were found dead in their home.
Mick Carmichael has not yet been formally charged in the deaths of his parents, 69-year-old Grace Carmichael and 68-year-old Gregory Carmichael. However, he is reportedly facing a first and second-degree murder charge with a domestic violence enhancement, according to FOX 13 Seattle.
Officers with the Federal Way Police Department reported to the Carmichaels’ home on Thursday, January 22, in response to a request for a welfare check after the suspect’s mother did not show up for her scheduled work shift.
Upon their arrival, police noted that the inside of the home was dark and there was no response when they repeatedly knocked on the front door and windows. Officers also noted that there were two cars registered to the homeowners parked in the driveway, while the mother’s purse was inside of her vehicle.
The officers then contacted a family member, and they had their aunt and uncle check on the home.
Carmichael, 35, answered the door when the aunt and uncle showed up, according to court documents. Carmichael reportedly said that his parents were sleeping and he didn’t want to disturb them.
He later left the residence on foot, and the uncle returned to the home and went inside. He quickly found Carmichael’s parents and told officers that they were cold to the touch. Officers then returned to the home and examined Carmichael’s parents’ deceased bodies. Authorities initially believed that the victims both suffered from severe head trauma. However, a spokesperson for the Federal Way Police Department confirmed to Luxury Handbag Shopping that detectives and the medical examiner have since concluded that the victims died of strangulation.
Police initiated a brief manhunt for Carmichael, and a patrol officer found him soon after on Southwest 334th Street. Carmichael was then placed under arrest and was taken to the police station.
Officers removed Carmichael’s clothing, which they noted appeared to have blood stains. Carmichael also had injuries across his upper body, which police believe were consistent with a struggle.
While speaking to authorities, Carmichael claimed he thought his parents were sleeping when he left the house. He also said that he left the residence to go to his girlfriend’s home. However, police said he could not recall his girlfriend’s full name or address during the interview.
Carmichael also insisted that he “loved” his parents when he was asked about their relationship, according to court documents.
He is currently in custody at King County Jail, and his bail has not yet been set. Carmichael is expected to return to court once a charging decision is made.
A brief court hearing was held on the afternoon of Friday, January 23, where prosecutors said it appeared that the victims were strangled with a belt, according to KOMO News. However, Carmichael reportedly refused to attend the hearing.
The recent arrest doesn’t mark the first time that Carmichael has run into issues with the law, as he was previously arrested three times for assaulting his parents, according to police.
