King County prosecutors will seek the death penalty against the couple accused of murdering six family members in Carnation last Christmas.

Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg, who filed a notice of intent in court Thursday, Oct. 16, is seeking the penalty for suspects Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe.

“The death penalty is this state’s ultimate punishment and is to be reserved for our most serious crimes. I believe this is one of those crimes,” Satterberg said.

The jury, he said, acts as the conscience of the community and should have all legal options before it.

“The death penalty is this state’s ultimate punishment and is to be reserved for our most serious crimes. I believe this is one of those crimes,” Satterberg said.

The jury, he said, acts as the conscience of the community and should have all legal options before it.

Last January, Anderson and McEnroe pleaded not guilty to six counts of aggravated murder apiece. They are accused of killing Anderson’s parents, Wayne Anderson, 60, and Judy Anderson, 61, and Michele Anderson’s brother, Scott Anderson, 32, his wife Erica Anderson, 32, both of Black Diamond, and their two children, Olivia, 6, and Nathan, 3.

According to court documents, the couple walked to the home of Judy and Wayne Anderson to kill them around 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Michele Anderson allegedly shot her father with a 9 mm pistol, then McEnroe allegedly shot him with a .357-calibre handgun, killing him. McEnroe then allegedly shot and killed Judy Anderson.

Michele Anderson’s brother, Scott, and his family arrived soon afterward for a pre-planned Christmas Eve visit and were killed as possible witnesses, according to court documents. McEnroe shot Scott and Erica Anderson, then shot both children in the head once, killing them, charging papers alleged. Michelle Anderson also allegedly shot her brother and his wife.