EVERETT — An Everett man was arrested Thursday on suspicion of raping and murdering his roommate.
Kenny J. Tate, 40, is accused of strangling another man at a transitional house for addicts along Beverly Lane. The victim reportedly had refused Tate’s sexual advances, according to Everett police.
Tate allegedly told detectives that he wanted the government to kill him so he wouldn’t have to commit suicide, and that he had gone out looking to rape and kill again afterward but hadn’t found the right person, according to the arrest report.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office identified the slain man as Daniel B. Dubeau, 30, of Everett. He was living at the house.
Tate was booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of murder, rape and robbery. He made a brief appearance Friday in Everett District Court.
Prosecutors asked that Tate be held without bail. At the request of a defense attorney, Judge Tam Bui agreed to hear arguments about bail next week. Meanwhile, Tate will remain behind bars.
The death was reported at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Everett police did not inform the public about the case for two days while they investigated the circumstances.
At first, the death was considered suspicious, but “it was unknown whether it was an accident or homicide,” department spokesman Aaron Snell said. However, Tate turned himself in early Thursday and reportedly admitted to the killing and to sexually assaulting the man. Tate hadn’t been seen at the home since 6 a.m. Wednesday.
Police announced the arrest Friday morning.
“We were investigating,” Snell said. “We were doing interviews.”
Tate told detectives he was a manager at the transitional house. He reportedly shared methamphetamine with the victim around 3 p.m. Tuesday, and an argument over payment for the drugs preceded the attack. Tate knew Dubeau could get in trouble with the Department of Corrections for using, and he planned to manipulate him with that information for sex, he told police.
Around 1 a.m. Wednesday, Dubeau refused to participate in any sex acts with Tate and left Tate’s room. Tate reportedly used the home’s surveillance cameras to track Dubeau’s movements within the house. He told police he again tried to negotiate sex with Dubeau, and a struggle broke out.
Tate reportedly stole a lighter and $1 from Dubeau before fleeing. Tate said he planned to use the lighter and money for drugs.
The owner of the house, who is Tate’s step-brother, found the body on Wednesday morning and called 911, according to police.
The victim appeared to have been strangled. The medical examiner said the investigation was continuing into his cause of death. Detectives are alleging premeditation.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
