Why Did This Washington Woman Murder Her Entire Family on Christmas Eve?

Raise your hand if you're a morbid person like me who is overly fascinated by true crime. Washington has more instances of serial killers during the "golden age" than most states. You would be forgiven if you thought that something was in the water. This case, however, chills me more than the others. It's not about a serial killer. No, this is the story of a woman who, with her boyfriend's help, murdered her entire family.

Michele Kristen Anderson (29) and Joseph Thomas McEnroe (29) used guns to kill Michele's parents, her brother, her brother's wife, and their children. But why?

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The story takes place on Christmas Eve, 2007 in Carnation, Washington. It's a small town near Seattle but far enough away to feel safe. A woman and her boyfriend would enact a horrific act that would leave an entire family dead and a town in shock. Two days later, they were arrested and quickly confessed.

According to police, Michele alleged her older brother "owed her money" and with her boyfriend, Joe, shot her parents to death and then waited for her brother's family to return home. They then shot Scott and Erica Anderson and their two young children; Olivia (5) and Nathan (3).

Michele and Joe would waive their rights to a trial, with Michele asking for the death penalty, telling The Seattle Times, "I want the most severe punishment, which would be the death penalty." However, they would only get life in prison as Jay Inslee has always stated he would not allow anyone to be put to death during his tenure as Governor of Washington.

Remembering Wayne, Judy, Scott, Erica, Olivia, and Nathan Anderson.