Olympia, WA – Jon Tunheim announced today that his office secured murder convictions against Josiah Sweeney after a Thurston County jury found Sweeney guilty of two counts of aggravated murder in the first degree, one count of burglary in the first degree with a deadly weapon, and assault in violation of a no-contact order in the 2021 killing of his parents, Patricia and Michael Sweeney. The jury deliberated for about 2.5 hours following the three-week trial and returned guilty verdicts on all charges.

On October 31, 2021, after noticing their absence from church that morning, Patricia and Michael Sweeney’s pastor reached out to notify Michael’s other son from a previous marriage, as it was highly unusual for them not to attend a service. He, in turn, contacted the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office to request a welfare check for his parents. When the responding deputy arrived, he found the front door locked from the inside with no visible signs of forced entry. Once fire department personnel arrived and gained entry to the home, deputies found Patricia and Michael Sweeney deceased from multiple stab wounds.

Their son, Josiah Sweeney, was found sleeping in another bedroom in the home, and a vehicle registered to his name was found in the parking lot. Deputies found two large kitchen knives in the kitchen sink. Later forensic analysis revealed the victims’ blood on the knives along with the defendant’s fingerprints. Deputies also confirmed there was an active protection order in place against Josiah Sweeney protecting Michael Sweeney at the address of the murders.

“We commend the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office for their investigative work and extend our sincere gratitude to the community members who served as jurors for this multiweek trial. I hope the verdict will bring some closure to the family and friends of the couple, knowing that the defendant will be held accountable for these horrific crimes,” said Thurston County Prosecuting Attorney Jon Tunheim.

Sentencing in the case is expected to occur in February.

Contact: Tara Tsehlana, tara.tsehlana@co.thurston.wa.us