Charles Nettlebeck kills his wife & stepdaughter with an ax

**Sister Iroz** · March 15th, 2009, 08:23 PM

ORTING, Wash. - A 52-year-old Orting, Wash. man is accused of using an ax to kill his 52-year-old wife and 33-year-old stepdaughter.
Wife & stepdaughter murdered

Police say the man called 911 late last night, and they arrived to find the gruesome scene.

The 52-year-old victim was a veteran King County Corrections Officer. Her daughter was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died. She worked for the Renton Police Department.

Police say the house had been spray painted with several messages, including "I loved my wife" and "Sorry to my friends I could not get help."

Neighbors say the couple was going through a divorce, and the wife may have recently kicked him out of the house.

"From what you can see on his house, you can tell he's definitely hurting inside," said Steve Brown. "I'm not a psychologist, so I can't say what made that in his mind decide to do what he did."

KING

When police arrived at the scene of an apparent fatal ax attack in Orting Saturday, they found several spraypainted messages.

Neighbors also say they saw him holding a garage sale just a few hours before the alleged murder.

"I know that they were going through a divorce, and perhaps that he was on some medication and went off of them," said Bambi Nichols.

The home, on 168th Ave Ct E, is on a sprawling piece of property with horses, chickens and other animals.

The 52-year-old victim worked at the Regional Justice Center in Kent, supervising inmates. The staff is having a tough time dealing with the news of her death.

Corrections department spokesperson William Hayes released a statement saying: "It's a huge tragedy for the department. She was an excellent officer, liked by everyone."

The daughter worked for the Renton Police department for seven years in a non-commissioned position doing computer and clerical work. She's described as a valuable member of the police department.

"We deal with this kind of thing all the time but this really hits home," police spokesperson Paul Kline said.

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/storie....39a4d8c6.html

The slain woman's husband was arrested by Pierce County sheriff's deputies and booked into jail for investigation of first-degree domestic violence murder and first-degree domestic violence assault, according to jail records.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/403698_ax15.html

**Wicked Doll** · March 15th, 2009, 08:31 PM

Holy shit! Dude seriously lost it. Guess he couldn't really off himself with an ax, huh? He'll get off for being batshit crazy I bet.

**Insomniac** · March 15th, 2009, 08:40 PM

"From what you can see on his house, you can tell he's definitely hurting inside," said Steve Brown. "I'm not a psychologist, so I can't say what made that in his mind decide to do what he did."

Hurting? Really Steve? How about beyond fucking loony tunes crazy?

He should have offed himself instead. Scumbag.

**Tazzzz** · March 15th, 2009, 08:45 PM

I was following the story so far, Its near were my mom lives at. They are going to release the names tomorrow, or thats what they said yesterday.

Dude went total batshit bonkers, chopped both mom and daughter up with an Axe. Fucking Douchebag. The daughter lived through it but died yesterday. The daughter worked for the Renton Police Department, data entry or something like that. The mom worked for the prison system I think.

At the divorce hearing in January she said something about being scarred of him and him possibly killing the animals. I think I would rather have been shot than chopped up with a fucking Axe, geeze what a terrible way to die.

**Sister Iroz** · March 15th, 2009, 09:05 PM

At the divorce hearing in January she said something about being scarred of him and him possibly killing the animals. I think I would rather have been shot than chopped up with a fucking Axe, geeze what a terrible way to die.

Tazz, I've had a hangover all day guess what you have officially succeeded in making me barf! Thank you for the little detail there. Oh I was trying not to think about it when I posted it then I read your post and i thought about it. Oh GEEZ! It has to be the most HORRIBLE way to die. May they both RIP.

He's SICK all that writing on that building SICKO!

Oh, if you get the names go ahead and change title.

**Tazzzz** · March 15th, 2009, 09:53 PM

Looks like a well house to me.

Orting is a ittty bitty litle town, probly like 4 blocks long. My mom lives about a mile out of town.

When deputies arrived at the home on the 27200 block of 168th Avenue Court East, they found the man’s 52-year-old wife dead and his 33-year-old stepdaughter gravely injured. The younger woman died Saturday night at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

“It appears he took an ax to both of them,” Troyer said

The wife had filed a restraining order against her husband, writing that she feared for the safety of herself and their family pets, according to Pierce County Superior Court records. In response, the court issued a “mutual restraining order” against both the husband and the wife, which Troyer said isn’t uncommon in divorce proceedings. The couple were estranged and no longer living together.

On one side of the cinder-block shed, scrawled red letters read “Could not find help. Nowhere to go.” On the other side of the shed, the words were “Living in hotel. Money running out. Nowhere to live.” Another spray-painted message contained an apology: “Sorry to my friends.” and "I loved my wife -- for better or worst." ( Note: He did this AFTER he killed his wife, not before. )

The wife filed for divorce in late January, writing in court papers that the couple, who had married in December 2005, had separated on Jan. 28. She sought a restraining order as part of the divorce filings.

The woman wrote that she hadn’t told her husband she was filing for divorce because “I very much fear for my own safety and the safety of my family and our animals. (He) is both violent and very controlling – he’s always at our home and has been known to listen in on my phone calls. I am very frightened about how he will respond to my petition for dissolution.”

When he was angry at her in the past, she wrote, he threw mugs, the dog dish and his watch.

He threatened to shoot their cat with a BB gun to teach it not to hunt birds and claimed to have once hit her horse with an aluminum bat. She wrote that he disciplined their Labrador-mix puppies by slapping them on the head and ears so hard that they screamed.

The husband disputed the woman’s allegations. In his declaration dated Feb. 11, he said his wife is a corrections officer for King County who can take care of herself. He claimed that when she was angry at him, she slams doors, yells and “bunches up her fists and hits herself in the leg.”

“I do not abuse animals,” he wrote.

He wrote that he has suffered from “extreme anxiety and depression” since the early 1980s and had been unable to hold a job the past two years because of his mental health issues. He wrote that he was seeing a doctor for his problems.

Though he had been doing some work in their home garage, which was set up as a body and auto repair shop, he wrote that he no longer had a source of income, apparently because he was ordered out of the house because of the divorce proceedings.

“I do not deal with stress well,” he wrote ( Duh, Thats a no brainer. Yah Think???)

http://www.newstin.com/go-to-link/11...tml?source=rss

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Detective Ed Troyer said the grisly attack was something normally seen "only in a horror film."

The 52-year-old wife was already dead. Troyer said that initially, deputies believed both women were dead, but one of the deputies noticed eye movement in the daughter and immediately called for medical aid.

The women wrote that on several occasions her husband treated both household pets and their farm animals with cruelty, once hitting a horse in the head with a baseball bat because, he allegedly said, it had chased one of their dogs.

"He thought it was amusing, and laughed, telling me it sounded like 'hitting a home run,'" the woman wrote in her declaration for a restraining order.

Other times, he threw rocks at their dogs or boxed their ears.

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/403698_ax15.html

**Peeperann** · March 15th, 2009, 10:25 PM

I can't and don't want to even try to imagine the horror that went on in that house. Good God, I just had chills go up my spine.

**thebooblady** · March 15th, 2009, 10:49 PM

One of the comments from the article says his name is Charles Walter Nettlebeck.

**Jaded** · March 15th, 2009, 11:41 PM

Originally Posted by thebooblady

One of the comments from the article says his name is Charles Walter Nettlebeck.

I think that's it.

Booking info...
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/li..._id=2009073020

**thebooblady** · March 15th, 2009, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by So Jaded

I think that's it.

Booking info...
http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/cfapps/li..._id=2009073020

Yep and that assault charge will be changed to murder since the step daughter died.

**Tazzzz** · March 16th, 2009, 03:27 AM

Bretta Hawkins .33 Step Daughter, 2nd murder victim

Bretta Hawkins .33 Myspace page ( private )

http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm...endID=94815985

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

He spray painted more than the shed it was ALL over the damn house. Geeze what a douche bag, Drama whore.
One of the neighbors painted over it after the cops were done with it.

**thebooblady** · March 16th, 2009, 08:05 AM

He spray painted more than the shed it was ALL over the damn house. Geeze what a douche bag, Drama whore.
One of the neighbors painted over it after the cops were done with it.

WTF? Had he ever heard of PAPER? From what I read of the messages they were saying he had no money and no where to live. An article said he suffers from depression and was unable to work for the past few months, and then he had to leave the house because the wife filed for divorce. That is no fucking reason to murder two people with an axe. If he was that miserable he could have just killed himself. I guess now he will have free room and board, though.

**Dneilz** · March 16th, 2009, 08:15 AM

This is sick.... :(

**Tazzzz** · March 16th, 2009, 07:56 PM

Barbara Nettlebeck, left, and Bretta Hawkins

Tard says he tried to hang himself, To bad he didnt try harder.

TACOMA, Wash. - Accused ax murderer Charles Walter Nettlebeck faces a possible death sentence if convicted of murdering his estranged wife and estranged stepdaughter.

Through his attorney in Pierce County Court on Monday, Nettlebeck entered pleas of "not guilty" to two counts of first degree aggravated murder with aggravated circumstances.

A judge ordered Nettlebeck held without bail, following Deputy Prosecutor Dawn Farina’s argument that he is a flight risk and a danger to the community.

Farina said the aggravated circumstances exist because there was more than one victim. Additionally, Nettlebeck had been served with a court order prohibiting contact with his estranged wife and alleged victim, Barbara Nettlebeck.

Farina said the state now has 30 days to determine whether it will seek a death sentence against Nettlebeck.

Nettlebeck appeared in court wearing chains and specialized jail attire. The Pierce County Sheriff's Office said he is in the jail's suicide watch unit.

According to court documents, Charles and Barbara Nettlebeck were seen on Friday, March 13 at their Orting home. At about 6 p.m., they were inside the residence talking about their impending divorce.

Barbara's daughter, 33-year-old Bretta Hawkins, was present at the residence, and apparently sent a text message to a friend at 7:08 p.m. stating that he (Nettlebeck) was still at the residence and if he didn't leave within 15 minutes, she was going to leave

According to the documents, the suspect reported that Barbara said something to him and he then picked up an ax and swung the ax at her. He then went outside, found Bretta and swung the ax at her.

The documents indicate that the ax was located near Bretta's body, and that the defendant claimed that after he killed Barbara and Bretta, he tried to hang himself but was unsuccessful.

Barbara Nettlebeck's colleages sent a press release on Monday.

"Barbara's death is a difficult loss for us," the Director of the Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention, Kathy Van Olst said. "Barbara was with the Department for nine years. She was an excellent officer who was known for always treating those around her with the utmost respect and patience. Barbara was well-liked and respected by all of her colleagues. Words cannot adequately describe the sadness felt in our Department as a result of this tragedy."

A family spokesman says a memorial for the slain women is scheduled for Tuesday, March 24 at 11 a.m. at the River of Life Church in SE 216th Street in Kent. A private ceremony for the family will be held at another time.

http://www.nwcn.com/statenews/washin....3fa50450.html

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++

A 52-year-old Pierce County man was charged today with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder in the slayings of his estranged wife and her daughter on Friday night.

Prosecutors said it was too soon to comment on whether they will seek the death penalty against Charles Walter Nettlebeck

Nettlebeck is alleged to have struck both women in their heads with an ax, according to court documents. Barbara Jo Nettlebeck, 52, was dead when deputies arrived at her Orting-area home. Her daughter, Bretta Joan Hawkins, 33, died Saturday night at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/htm...attack16m.html

**Wicked Doll** · March 16th, 2009, 07:59 PM

Originally Posted by Tazzzz

Tard says he tried to hang himself, To bad he didnt try harder.

There are sheets in prison. All hope is not lost.

**Sister Iroz** · March 16th, 2009, 08:01 PM

I got a backside but no front yet. Sorry

**tutkill** · March 16th, 2009, 08:11 PM

What is with the psycho guys-they always can kill their families-but they have the hardest time killing themselves correctly.

**Wicked Doll** · March 16th, 2009, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by tutkill

What is with the psycho guys-they always can kill their families-but they have the hardest time killing themselves correctly.

Good question. In this case, I'm sure that the method had something to do with it. I mean it's not easy to off yourself with an axe. Plus he was busy, you know, painting weird shit all over the house.

He did fuck up the whole hanging thing too though. Like I said, there are sheets in prison. He still has a chance to get it right. Here's to hoping he succeeds, but not before he gets a warm welcome from Bubba of course.

**Tazzzz** · March 16th, 2009, 08:24 PM

Damn. no sheets for this Butt Muncher. And they only gave his sorry ass "paper" clothing.

The man appeared in court chained and clad in a green protective garment given to jail inmates under suicide watch.

"They're isolated in a cell and subject to more frequent checks," said Det. Sgt. Jerry Bates. "You saw the garment he's wearing -- so as not to allow the garment to be used as a noose."

Nettlebeck told detectives he tried to hang himself at his home after attacking his wife and stepdaughter, court documents said. His suicide attempt failed, however, and he went on a spray-painting rampage leaving messages in red that read "Could not find help. No where to go," and "I loved my wife -- for better or worst," detectives said.

It was not clear exactly what prompted the attack, but prosecutors allege Nettlebeck's wife said something to him and he picked up an axe and struck her with it, nearly decapitating her.

After hitting his wife, Nettlebeck went outside, found Hawkins and hit her three times with the axe, the documents said

Charles Nettlebeck finally called 911 roughly three hours after the killings, prosecutors said

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/41337772.html

**Wicked Doll** · March 16th, 2009, 08:27 PM

Originally Posted by Tazzzz

Damn. no sheets for this Butt Muncher. And they only gave his sorry ass "paper" clothing.

Fuck that! Sigh. Maybe Bubba will be extra rough and he'll develop some really bad internal bleeding.

**Sister Iroz** · March 16th, 2009, 08:38 PM

Originally Posted by tutkill

What is with the psycho guys-they always can kill their families-but they have the hardest time killing themselves correctly.

Because they don't really have the balls to kills themselves they want either the state to do it for them or a big burly prisoner in prison to do it for them. I kinda want to see this man abuse on a daily basis for a while by the prisoner, dying would be the easy way out for him.

**Tazzzz** · March 17th, 2009, 01:00 AM

Court papers say 52-year-old Barbara Jo Nettlebeck and 33-year-old Bretta Joan Hawkins were hit in the head with an ax - so hard that Barbara Nettlebeck's spine was severed.

http://www.kpax.com/Global/story.asp?S=10017497

**Tazzzz** · March 17th, 2009, 07:13 AM

Charles Walter Nettlebeck

**Sister Iroz** · March 17th, 2009, 02:30 PM

P

ierce County man is charged
with two counts of aggravated first-degree murder in the ax
slayings of his estranged wife and her daughter.

Pierce County prosecutors say 52-year-old Charles Walter
Nettlebeck staged the attack Friday night at their home near
Orting. He pleaded not guilty in court Monday.

Court papers say 52-year-old Barbara Jo Nettlebeck and
33-year-old Bretta Joan Hawkins were hit in the head with an ax ...
so hard that Barbara Nettlebeck's spine was severed.

Barbara Nettlebeck had filed for divorce from her husband, whom
she accused of being abusive.

Aggravated first-degree murder is punishable in Washington by
execution or life in prison without parole. Pierce County
prosecutors say it is too soon to say whether they will seek the
death penalty if Nettlebeck is convicted as charged.

http://www.q13fox.com/pages/news_sto...257&feedID=144

**PoongyPrincess** · March 17th, 2009, 03:42 PM

What a horrible and, in my opinion, preventable tragedy.

Yes, I did say preventable. Look at how many times similar situations have happened in the past, where a woman tells the court she fears for her life because of her ex-partner. The courts are crazy for thinking that a little sheet of paper can actually keep an angry and depressed (and insane) ex-spouse away from the person he sees as his. These courts need to be more proactive. Court ordered counseling, for example. And what about those GPS tracking bracelets like in that other thread? (The one where the homeless pedo killed a girl in a field). If there is reason for the ex-wife to fear for her safety, wouldn't it make sense to put one of those on the ex-husband?

Second thought, knowing that a court order is really no protection, these women who do fear retribution from exes need to carry something with them that reaches far. Like pepper spray or a small caliber handgun. Or one of Silvahalo68's swords

. They should also never let these men back into their houses for any reason at all and should never, ever turn their backs to them.

**Abroad** · March 17th, 2009, 04:04 PM

Originally Posted by PoongyPrincess

Second thought, knowing that a court order is really no protection, these women who do fear retribution from exes need to carry something with them that reaches far. Like pepper spray or a small caliber handgun. Or one of Silvahalo68's swords

. They should also never let these men back into their houses for any reason at all and should never, ever turn their backs to them.

So difficult. She had her animals to consider, too. She couldn't up sticks and hide at another address. With the size of the town, it sounds like that might have been futile, anyway.

**Jaded** · March 18th, 2009, 05:46 AM

I front-paged him....

http://www.dreamindemon.com/2009/03/...eck-had-an-ax/

Thank you for the help Special and Tazzzz.

**CbabyRKO** · June 4th, 2012, 04:36 AM

http://http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-0507...,4829082.story

**CbabyRKO** · June 4th, 2012, 04:56 AM

http://http://www.q13fox.com/news/kcpq-0507...,4829082.story

Seems like being a little mentally disturbed is a get off of death row free card. At least that's the prosecutions reasoning for not pursuing the DP in this case. He had a history of mental illness before this crime was ultimately carried out.
To me that's no excuse unless you're like hearing voices Norman Bates crazy.
This guy was just a big ol' spoiled kept man, and once he saw his meal train leaving the station he flipped. I'm sure he had his retirement plans on lock and was thinking bout kicking back and enjoying his golden years with his hand down his pants and watching football til she shook up his happy little dream.
This is more of a case of if I can't be happy then no one else can be either. Which takes a whole hell of a lot of hate to muster.