Tony Reed faces year in prison for helping bury slain Arlington couple

EVERETT, Wash. — Tony Clyde Reed faces a year in prison after pleading guilty to helping his brother, John Reed, hide the bodies of a slain Arlington couple in April, prosecutors ruled Friday.

Tony Reed pleaded guilty to two counts of felony rendering criminal assistance in the murder of Monique Patenaude, 46, and her husband, Patrick Shunn, 45. See photos here.

The first count was for helping his brother dump Shunn and Patenaude's vehicles. The second count was for helping John Reed bury the bodies.

Both Reed brothers were initially charged with first degree murder. Earlier this week, prosecutors reduced Tony's charges, saying he was not present when his brother shot the couple.

Investigators believe John Reed fatally shot the couple over a long-standing property dispute in Oso, a rural community northeast of Seattle. His murder charge remains the same.

John Reed is still at large and believed to be in Mexico.

Shunn and Patenaude were last seen on April 11. Detectives believe they were killed the same day.

Tony Reed was taken into custody on May 16 after turning himself in at the U.S.-Mexico border and leading authorities to the couple’s grave.

Prosecutors and Tony Reed's attorney won't say if Reed is helping authorities locate his brother.

Investigators believe that Clyde and Faye Reed, the brothers' parents, helped the brothers escape after the murders.

The parents were arrested outside their home in Ellensburg on Tuesday and are facing charges of rendering criminal assistance.

Tony Reed's sentencing has been set for August 29.

Cox Media Group