TACOMA, WA – Today Michael League, 69, pleaded guilty to two counts of murder in the second degree for killing his adult children, Dennis League and Danielle Faucett, at his Puyallup home in 2013. Deputy Prosecutor Stephen Penner recommended a mid-range sentence of 186 months on each count. The judge imposed a sentence of 60 months.
On the morning of March 24, 2013, the defendant entered his daughter's bedroom, covered her head with a pillow, and shot her in the head. He then went downstairs, where his son was asleep on the couch, covered his head with the same pillow, and shot him in the head. The defendant called 911 and stated that he "shot his son and daughter in the head" and he "had committed a father's worst sin." He said his son was still moaning and he wanted to shoot him again. He was still armed and intended to shoot himself. Puyallup Police arrived at the residence and convinced the defendant to exit his home. He was arrested. When officers entered the home, they discovered the victims were breathing, but unresponsive. They were transported to the hospital, but both died a short time later.
According to witnesses, the victims were addicted to drugs and alcohol, and had been stealing from the defendant and his wife for decades. The defendant's wife told police that on a previous occasion, the defendant said, "I should just shoot 'em, shoot us all." She did not take the statement seriously at the time.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Heather Songer
Communications and Public Information Coordinator
Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
253-798-6265
253-380-5856
[email protected]