Suspect arrested in gruesome Bitter Lake murder

Eight months after an elderly Navy veteran was killed at his Bitter Lake home, police in Snohomish County have arrested a suspect.

Francis Patrick Fleming, 70, was tortured and his throat was cut following a robbery on Dec. 8, 2011 at an assisted living facility.

“I know just talking to homicide detectives that it was pretty gruesome,” said Renee Witt, Seattle Police spokesperson.

While detectives combed the victim’s apartment for evidence, they learned that his collection of rare coins was missing.

“DNA evidence found inside the victim’s apartment back in 2011 led detectives to a 51-year-old man who was arrested by the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Department yesterday,” said Witt.

Bail for Charles Jungbluth, 51, has been set at $1 million.