Associated Press
PORT ORCHARD — A 47-year-old woman has been charged with first-degree murder following the death of her 9-year-old son northeast of Bremerton.
The Kitsap Sun reported that Amber Lynn James was charged Friday in Kitsap County Superior Court.
James had previously been charged with second-degree murder following the death of Ryan Rosales on Tuesday.
But prosecutors said statements James made to a Kitsap County sheriff’s deputy show premeditation.
Emergency responders went to a home on Symes Road on Tuesday when the boy’s father called to report his son wasn’t breathing.
Authorities said life-saving measures failed and the boy was pronounced dead.
Investigators said Rosales died of asphyxia and that James told a deputy she strangled Ryan with her hands after praying and thinking about it.
Public defender Cal Cunningham declined to comment.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.