Church shooting suspect held on $5 million bail

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By Luke Duecy

Summary

Charles Parsons is being held under investigation of murder and assault. The Lakewood man is accused of shooting his wife several times at a Federal Way church during a counseling session. Carol Parsons later died.

Story Published: Mar 18, 2010 at 4:21 PM PDT

Story Updated: Mar 21, 2010 at 5:14 PM PDT

Church shooting suspect held on $5 million bail

Charles Parsons' Lakewood home is seen in this photo.

SEATTLE -- A judge has set bail at $5 million for the man accused of shooting his wife during a counseling session at a Federal Way church on Wednesday.

Charles Parsons is being held at the King County Jail under investigation of murder and assault.

The Lakewood man is accused of shooting his wife several times at the Calvary Lutheran Church during a couples counseling session.

According to the statement of probable cause, Parsons got up to leave from the session, then turned around and pointed a gun at his wife. As his wife began to scream, Parson pointed the gun at the counselor and him not to move, detectives said.

Parsons then opened fire, hitting his wife at least three times in the torso, according to the document.

Parsons himself called 911 to report he had just shot his wife, and that he'd placed the gun on the hood of his truck. He told the dispatchers he was lying on the ground.

The man's wife, 38-year-old Carol Parsons, was taken to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died. The counselor was not injured.

Parsons, 42, waived his court appearance on Thursday. His attorney said he was too distressed to face a judge.

Stewart Lyon and his construction crew said in the hours before the shooting, they watched Parsons walk out of his home, get into his vehicle and drive off.

"About 11 o'clock or something like that," Lyon said. When asked whether Charles Parson appeared agitated or nervous, Lyon said, "No, I didn't see anything like that."

According to court records, the couple once lived their Lakewood home together. But a friend of the victim said she moved out after the couple filed for divorce in 2008.

The home was found in disrepair on Thursday with trash and beer cans strewn all over. Charles Parsons' neighbors said they rarely saw the man outside. They said he mostly kept to himself and never talked with anyone.

Prosecutors have until Monday to file charges.