SEATTLE — Legal costs continue to rise in a death penalty case against two people accused of killing a family of six in Carnation on Christmas Eve 2007.
The Seattle Times reports that the cost of prosecuting and defending Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe is now approaching a combined $7 million. It is likely to rise much higher, as no firm trial date is in sight for either defendant.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg declined to talk discuss the case, but he has previously defended efforts to pursue the death penalty despite the costs.
Anderson and McEnroe are charged with aggravated first-degree murder in the slaughter of Anderson’s family — her parents, brother, sister-in-law, and her young niece and nephew.
Earlier this month, the state Supreme Court said prosecutors can seek the death penalty against the defendants.
