Video: Mother furious about accused killer release

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EVERETT, Wash. - A Snohomish County mother is furious that her son's suspected killer almost walked free.

In 2002, Brady Sheary was found brutally murdered at a Marysville school. The prime suspect in the case, Todd Brodahl, was found incompetent to stand trial and murder charges were dropped. He was civilly committed to Western State Hospital.

He'd been there four years, when last week, the Snohomish County Prosecutors Office found out he was being released -- today.

"I was in absolute shock. I mean I haven't slept since it happened," Tammy Sheary said.

By law, the hospital should have notified prosecutors 45 days ago Brodahl was no longer considered a danger and was being released. Instead they were given only seven days.

KING

By law, Western State Hospital should have notified prosecutors 45 days ago Todd Brodahl was being released.

"I just don't understand how they could have been so lax in this situation," Sheary said.

Prosecutors say they were shocked and frustrated they weren't told sooner and scrambled to re-file murder charges.

A judge ordered Brodahl to remain in the hospital 15 days while he undergoes competency testing.

Tammy Sheary is glad he didn't walk free, but still wants answers.
If Brodahl is found competent -- a judge has ordered him held on half a million dollars bail.