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.

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