SEATTLE – Michele Anderson, found guilty of killing six of her family members in Carnation on Christmas Eve 2007, was sentenced Thursday. She received six consecutive life sentences without the chance of parole.
Several community members spoke during the sentencing. Anderson did not speak, but broke down when addressed by her sister.
“I want you to know that we loved you so much. You know the truth. You destroyed me," said Mary Victoria Anderson, Michele's sister, who would likely have been murdered that Christmas Eve in 2007, but she couldn't make it to her parents' Carnation house that night. "I just am brokenhearted. Every day I miss those six people. I know our lives will never be the same.”
Anderson was found guilty last month of six counts of aggravated first-degree murder for the deaths of her parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew. Anderson admitted to masterminding the massacre Christmas Eve of 2007. She and boyfriend Joseph McEnroe fired 16 shots, killing three generations of family, including two little children, because of a perceived financial dispute.
Prosecutors originally sought the death penalty for Anderson, but changed their decision after jurors in other high profile cases did not return death penalty verdicts.
"I'm glad the death penalty was taken off the table because I feel life in prison will be a lot harsher of a punishment,” said Kim Moody, co-worker of Judy Anderson, one of the victims.
McEnroe is already serving six life sentences for his part in the crime.
Both have said they will appeal their convictions.
“I just hope they don't drag out this with appeals for years and years,” said Pam Mantle, mother and grandmother to three of the victims. "I just hope they put the devil to rest."
