PORT TOWNSEND—Convicted murderer Michael J. Pierce received the maximum sentence today for killing Pat and Janice Yarr before burning their Jefferson County farmhouse down in March 2009.
With a combination of murder, arson,, burglary, firearm and theft charges, Pierce will be held for 1,415 months — or just a few decimal points under 118 years.
“He has essentially received life without parole,” said his attorney, Richard Davies. “He isn’t getting out.”
Jefferson County Superior Court Judge Craddock Verser passed the sentence after an address by Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Scott Rosekrans and victim impact statements from several family members and close friends.
Among those speaking were the Yarrs’ daughters, Michelle Ham and Patty Waters.
“Thanks to Mr. Pierce, my son will not have a living memory of his grandparents,” Ham said. “Instead, he will only know them through a Polaroid picture.”
The courtroom was full of family and friends of the Yarrs’ as well as law enforcement officials who worked on the case.
Prosecuting Attorney Juelie Dalzell said she was “very happy” with the sentence.
Also attending were several jurors from the trial along with Pierce’s mother and girlfriend.
Davies said that Pierce plans to appeal, but did not disclose specifics of that action.
