By Eric Stevick Herald Writer
EVERETT — A Bothell woman arrested Sunday is one of three suspects police are investigating in connection with what is believed to be a drug-related stabbing death in Everett last month.
Sarah A. Hellerud, 27, remains in the Snohomish County Jail. She was scheduled to appear in Everett District Court on Monday, but didn’t attend the bail hearing. She is expected to be brought to court today.
Luis Verduzco, 23, was found fatally stabbed April 24 outside a vacant house on Madison Street.
Detectives believe Hellerud and two others planned to rob the victim of methamphetamine, according to court papers.
A second woman was booked into Snohomish County Jail on Monday afternoon in connection with the case. Both women were being held for investigation of first-degree murder.
Police have not identified the third suspect, a man.
Hellerud was arrested Sunday. She and her accomplices allegedly picked up the victim in a car and attempted to steal his drugs. They’re accused of luring him into their car under the ruse they that wanted to buy methamphetamine.
Police believe Hellerud stabbed Verduzco when he resisted turning over his drugs. He then was pushed out of the car, Everett police Lt. Robert Goetz said.
The Snohomish County Medical Examiner determined Verduzco died from a single knife wound to the chest, according to court papers.
Hellerud denied any involvement, court papers said. She acknowledged knowing the victim, but said she was walking from Casino Road to north Everett and back when the stabbing took place.
Both the suspect and the victim have criminal history.
Hellerud has convictions for car theft, possessing methamphetamine, theft and possessing stolen property.
Prosecutors are seeking high bail against her for pending charges of forgery, possessing stolen property and identification theft. They also said she could be charged with other crimes that occurred in 2010 and 2011.
Verduzco had a felony juvenile conviction for robbery out of California, according to court papers. He also had an arrest warrant in connection with a 2010 incident in Everett, when he reportedly bit an Everett police officer and tried to bite another.
Investigators learned that the suspect was staying in an apartment in the 6700 block of Fleming Street in Everett. She was arrested there without incident.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com
