MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Puyallup man who killed cousin thought devil was trying to possess body

Mar 27, 2018, 12:15 PM | Updated: 1:09 pm

Pierce County shootings...

The location of one of two fatal shootings in Pierce County in less than 24 hours. (KIRO 7)

(KIRO 7)

A witness says the 27-year-old who allegedly killed his cousin Sunday night claimed the devil was trying to possess his cousin’s body.

Robert Reynolds told detectives, “I’m pretty sure I put over eight shots in his head.”

Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Reynolds with one count of first-degree murder Tuesday.

According to police, Reynolds, his cousin, and the witness smoked marijuana and were “grappling” in the backyard of a Puyallup home before the shooting. They went into the bathroom to wash up when the cousins got into an argument.

The witness says he tried to calm the two.

Reynolds grabbed a handgun and told the witness to get behind him because he wasn’t safe. Reynolds, according to the witness, believed his cousin was “here to hurt one of them.” That’s when Reynolds reportedly told his cousin to get on his knees.

Reynolds’ cousin charged him, which is when the first shots were fired, according to police. The two men began fighting again and the witness ran for the door. More gunshots followed.

The witness returned in time to see Reynolds’ cousin asking for help before Reynolds “unloaded the magazine.”

Drive-by shooting

A second homicide was reported hours later between Graham and Eatonville

A woman in her 60s was killed in her home off Webster Road East, according to the sheriff’s department.

The woman’s husband, children, and grandchildren were also home when a drive-by shooting occurred.

Detective Troyer says eight to 10 rounds were fired.

Investigators believe the house was targeted. A man living at the home who is well-known to deputies believed the shooters were targeting him.

MyNorthwest News

pumpkin music...

Paul Holden

Ghost tour, pumpkin chucking, free music and more: Your guide to fall fun this weekend in the Seattle area

Find live music, a ghost tour, free festivals and more fall fun in the Seattle area this weekend.

10 minutes ago

Tom Wales (1)...

James Lynch

Federal Prosecutor Tom Wales killing remains an active investigation, Crime Stoppers says

Nearly 25 years after Seattle federal prosecutor Tom Wales was shot in his Queen Anne home, investigators are still working the case.

10 minutes ago

gun buyback...

James Lynch

King County Sheriff’s Office to host gun buyback in Burien Saturday

The King County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) will host a gun buyback in Burien Saturday, Oct. 17.

11 hours ago

SNAP fraud...

James Lynch

Man accused of $600,000 SNAP fraud returned to WA after fleeing to India

A man accused of diverting about $600,000 in federal food assistance benefits for personal gain has been returned to Washington.

12 hours ago

Tumwater fire...

Lexi Herda, KIRO 7 News

Flames engulf Tumwater apartment complex across the street from fire department

A fire at an apartment complex in Tumwater has been upgraded to a two-alarm fire.

13 hours ago

King County homelessness agency...

Aaron Granillo

Review finds nearly $17 million shortfall at King County homelessness agency

Seattle and King County taxpayers face a nearly $17 million bill to cover a funding shortfall at the King County Regional Homelessness Authority.

13 hours ago

Puyallup man who killed cousin thought devil was trying to possess body