Man charged with murder in Quilcene couple’s death
Published 10:57 pm Monday, March 30, 2009
PORT TOWNSEND — A 34-year-old Washington man has been charged with two counts of first-degree murder as well as second-degree arson in the slaying of a Quilcene couple and a fire set at their home on the Olympic Peninsula.
Michael J. Pierce of Quilcene made an initial court appearance Monday. He is jailed in lieu of $250,000 cash-only bail.
Investigators say 60-year-old Patrick Yarr and 57-year-old Janice Yarr were killed before their home was set afire March 18.
Jefferson County sheriff’s deputies arrested Pierce last Saturday after they say they matched him to video from an ATM showing a man using the Yarrs’ debit card.
According to charging papers, Pierce denied killing the couple, then sought immunity, saying he could provide information on the killer. Prosecutors denied his request.
Jefferson County Prosecutor Juelie (Julie) Dalzell has charged Pierce with 11 crimes, including robbery, burglary, firearms theft and identity theft, in addition to murder and arson.
