EVERETT, Wash. - Prosecutors say a man, accused of stabbing his ex-girlfriend to death and dismembering her body, may have done it partly due to his belief in the Wiccan religion.
Prosecutors say Eric Christensen killed Sherry Harlan in her apartment then scattered her remains in the woods. Christensen was initially charged with second-degree murder, but prosecutors upped that to first-degree murder Monday, saying the crime was premeditated.
Jeri Schiable, a Wiccan, says both Harlan and Christensen had been exploring the religion. Wiccan services are held at a church tucked in the quiet hills of rural Snohomish County.
The message there was one of love and harmony.
"The number one rule is, 'and it harm none -- do what you will,'" said Schiable.
In an interview with detectives, Christensen said he suspected Harlan was dating someone new. He told them he and Harlan took a Wiccan blood oath, which is said to link people for eternity
But a few weeks later, Christensen said Harlan got a text message from the other man. He was angry and believed Harlan had broken the oath, making her in his words, a warlock -- an evil traitor.
Christensen says they fought, but he denies murdering her.
Schaible says, despite what some might believe, Wiccans are peaceful.
"Lest in self defense it be. This was clearly not self defense," said Schiable.
Investigators say they have a mountain of evidence, including bloody shoe prints, surveillance video of Christensen driving Harlan's car and a witness who says he helped him dispose of her body.
Schaible says a true Wiccan could not have been so evil.
"He is not a Wiccan, okay. He does not live by the Wiccan reed. He does not live a Wiccan lifestyle," said Schiable.
Christensen served 12 years in prison for assault, after firing shots at another ex-girlfriend and her new boyfriend. He told investigators back then he was following the tradition of his Scottish ancestors and was "on a blood run".
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