Lewiston double murder suspect appears in court

richard-carlin

 

The man accused of killing two family members and injuring another made his first court appearance Thursday in Lewiston’s 2ndd District Court.

73-year-old Richard Carlin is accused of stabbing and beating to death his ex-wife and daughter November 21st, and also stabbing his grandson, severely injuring him.

According to court documents, Carlin allegedly spent the night at the Lewiston home of his ex-wife, 72-year-old Raetta Carlin, prior to the killings at the Circle Drive Mobile Home Park.

Court records indicate Carlin’s daughter, Michelle Carlin, and grandson, Jonathon Spaeth, lived in a trailer adjacent to Raetta Carlin’s home.  Richard Carlin reportedly called his daughter around 4:30 a.m. the morning of the incident and asked her to help him with Raetta, claiming she was sick.  He then made contact with his grandson indicating he needed help transporting Raetta Carlin to the hospital, before attacking Spaeth with a knife.  Spaeth was reportedly able to fight off the attack, returning home to call 911 to report the crimes.

Richard Carlin fled the area in Raetta Carlin’s vehicle and was arrested at a convenience store in Stanfield, Oregon.

Carlin was previously convicted of molesting a 12-year-old child while holding a knife to her throat and served 9 years in prison.

Bond was set at $1 million.

Prosecutors say a decision on whether to seek the death penalty has not been made.  First-degree murder, if the death penalty is not sought, is otherwise punishable by up to life in prison.  (Lewiston Tribune)

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