Guilty plea from Lakewood man who allegedly killed wife during counseling

A Lakewood, Washington father who shot and killed his wife during a couples counseling session has pleaded guilty to first degree murder.

The woman’s family said Carol Parsons, 38, arranged the counseling session three years ago, even though she was divorced from her husband, saying he was devastated by the break-up. The couple had three young children.

In March 2010, King County prosecutors say Charles Parsons, then 42, stood up during the session with his wife and a counselor at Calvary Lutheran Church in Federal Way and shot Carol Parsons three times. He then called 9-1-1, went outside, put down the gun and waited for police to arrive, according to court documents.

The sentencing range for Parsons is 22 to 28 1/2 years in prison and the prosecutor’s office plans to recommend the high-end of that standard range.