Accused South Park killer will not face death penalty
SEATTLE -- Prosecutors will not seek the death penalty for a man who they say raped and murdered a woman in her South Park home and tried to stab her partner to death.
Isaiah Kalebu has been charged with aggravated murder in the July 19 attack that left Teresa Butz dead.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said a jury may find a "mitigating factor" in Kalebu's history of mental illness when weighing a potential death sentence.
"After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case, including an extensive review of the background of the defendant, input from the surviving victim, the deceased victim's family, the attorneys for the defense and others with detailed knowledge of this case, I have decided that this case is not appropriate for the death penalty," Satterberg said in a statement.
Kalebu is suspected of breaking into the women's home through an open window while they slept. Prosecutors say the two women woke up to find Kalebu standing over their bed, naked and holding a knife.
Investigators said Kalebu raped and tortured the women for more than an hour, threatening to kill them if they did not comply.
Fearing they would be killed, Butz fought back and was stabbed several times. She broke a window and dove into the street where she died. Her actions allowed her partner to escape and survive.
Kalebu was captured five days later after a massive manhunt.
If convicted, Kalebu would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Isaiah Kalebu has been charged with aggravated murder in the July 19 attack that left Teresa Butz dead.
King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg said a jury may find a "mitigating factor" in Kalebu's history of mental illness when weighing a potential death sentence.
"After careful consideration of the circumstances of this case, including an extensive review of the background of the defendant, input from the surviving victim, the deceased victim's family, the attorneys for the defense and others with detailed knowledge of this case, I have decided that this case is not appropriate for the death penalty," Satterberg said in a statement.
Kalebu is suspected of breaking into the women's home through an open window while they slept. Prosecutors say the two women woke up to find Kalebu standing over their bed, naked and holding a knife.
Investigators said Kalebu raped and tortured the women for more than an hour, threatening to kill them if they did not comply.
Fearing they would be killed, Butz fought back and was stabbed several times. She broke a window and dove into the street where she died. Her actions allowed her partner to escape and survive.
Kalebu was captured five days later after a massive manhunt.
If convicted, Kalebu would be sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.