CARNATION, WA: MICHELE ANDERSON KILLED FAMILY, WANTS TO DIE

Michele Anderson, second from left, pleaded not guilty to six murder charges on Christmas Eve 2007, in rural Carnation, Wash., at the King County Courthouse, in Seattle on Thursday, Jan. 10, 2008

According to the affidavit, McEnroe then killed the Andersons' young children, 5-year-old Olivia and 3-year-old Nathan.

Suspect in Carnation killings seeks death penalty
By Marlee Ginter, Liz Rocca & KOMO Staff
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Story Published: Jun 25, 2008 at 10:59 PM PDT
Story Updated: Jun 26, 2008 at 1:08 PM PDT

SEATTLE -- The woman accused of killing six members of her family on Christmas Eve 2007 wants to receive the death penalty, and she's seeking help.

Michele Anderson and her then-boyfriend Joseph McEnroe are charged in the shooting deaths of Anderson's parents, Wayne and Judy Anderson; her brother, Scott; his wife, Erica; and their children, 5-year-old Olivia and 3-year-old Nathan. Prosecutors believe long-standing bitterness and a perceived family debt fueled the tragedy.

Anderson pleaded not guilty to six counts of aggravated first-degree murder, but she contacted KOMO News from inside the King County Jail on Wednesday, claiming she wants to die.

Anderson said she wants a private attorney because her public defenders have been fighting the death penalty against her wish.

"They lied to me at the arraignment. They said I wasn't allowed to plead guilty," she said.

Her lawyers have not returned phone call seeking comment.When asked why she wants the death penalty, Anderson said, "As soon as you just provide me with an attorney to sue these guys, I'll answer all those questions and more. I mean, I want people to know why."

Several minutes later Anderson added, "It's the highest punishment. I'm taking responsibility for my actions."

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Ben Anderson, the grandson of Wayne and Judy, and uncle of the two slain children, has said if the prosecutor asks him, he will say he does not want the death penalty. He said the death penalty is "too easy" and he'd rather the pair spend the rest of their lives in prison.

SHOULD WE GRANT MICHELE ANDERSON HER WISH TO DIE?

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/21676149.html