FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 13, 2019

Contact: Jessie Knudsen, Jessie.knudsen@co.thurston.wa.us

OLYMPIA – A Thurston County jury returned with a guilty verdict following two hours of deliberation in the 2018 case of a 24-year-old Snohomish woman who was found shot to death in Tumwater. The defendant, Matthew J. McCollian, 34, of Everett, was found guilty on all counts, including second-degree murder and felony possession of a firearm and arson.

Sophia Stutzman of Snohomish County died during the early morning hours of December 12, 2018 as the result of a gunshot wound to the chest. Her body was discovered by police near the Costco store on Littlerock Road Southwest where she was pronounced dead at the scene. Tumwater detectives determined that the victim had been residing in the Everett area and had no ties with the Tumwater community.

Charges were filed against McCollian in Thurston County Superior Court on December 19, 2018 as the result of a cross jurisdictional investigation between King, Snohomish and Thurston County law enforcement. The case was prosecuted by Thurston County Prosecutor Jon Tunheim and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Elizabeth McMullen.

“A great deal of collaboration and teamwork went on behind the scenes to get this case to trial as quickly as we did,” Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim said.

“I’m pleased with the verdict and that Mr. McCollian will be held accountable for his crimes.”

McCollian is scheduled to appear in court for sentencing in the coming weeks.