Washington Man Accused of Strangling Parents to Death With Belt, Told Relative He Didn’t Want to “Disturb Them,” Police Say

FEDERAL WAY, WASHINGTON — A Washington man is facing two counts of second-degree murder after police say he strangled his parents to death with a belt inside their home, then told a family member he did not want to “disturb them” when asked to check on the couple.

Mick Carmichael, 35, was arrested Thursday evening and booked into the King County Jail in connection with the deaths of Grace Carmichael, 69, and Gregory Carmichael, 68, court records show.

Bodies Discovered After Co-Worker Requests Welfare Check

Investigators believe the killings occurred sometime between Wednesday and Thursday at the family’s home in the 33700 block of 27th Place Southwest in Federal Way, a city located south of Seattle.

According to police, concern was raised Thursday morning when Grace Carmichael failed to show up for work. A co-worker contacted the Federal Way Police Department and requested a welfare check.

Officers went to the residence, knocked on the door, and looked through windows but received no response and observed nothing immediately suspicious, authorities said.

Police then contacted another family member and asked them to check on the couple.

Suspect Seen Leaving Home, Makes Chilling Statement

When the family member arrived at the house, they allegedly saw Mick Carmichael walking away from the property.

According to the arrest report, the family member asked about Grace and Gregory’s whereabouts.

“Mick responded that Grace and Gregory were still sleeping and he did not want [the family member] to disturb them,” the report states.

The family member then entered the home and discovered both parents deceased. By that time, Mick Carmichael was gone.

Police Locate Suspect in Park Hours Later

Authorities issued an alert asking officers and the public to be on the lookout for Carmichael.

Around 5 p.m. Thursday, an officer spotted him in a nearby park, police said. He was described as having:

• Dried blood on his hands
• Blood stains on his clothing
• Visible cuts and bruises on his body

Carmichael was taken into custody without incident.

Police say he denied speaking with his parents the previous day and claimed he did not know how he sustained his injuries.

History of Violence and Protection Orders Cited

Court records reviewed by local media indicate Carmichael has a long history of violent encounters involving his parents.

In 2021, he allegedly slammed his mother’s head into a staircase and strangled his father during an argument, reportedly calling his father “the devil.” He was also charged in 2015 with attacking his father.

Since 2009, at least 10 protection orders have been issued to protect Grace and Gregory Carmichael — as well as five other individuals — from Mick Carmichael across four separate cases, according to court records.

Investigation Ongoing

Detectives say they believe Carmichael strangled both parents with a belt during a physical struggle, which also caused injuries to him.

He remains held in jail as the case proceeds through the King County court system. Prosecutors have not yet announced whether additional charges will be filed.

Should courts take stronger action when repeated protection orders fail to prevent deadly violence? Share your thoughts with readers at WaldronNews.