Create a free profile to get unlimited access to exclusive videos, breaking news, sweepstakes, and more!
‘Cold Blood’: Washington Woman Killed By Husband After Her Restraining Order Denied By Court
Michael Murrah told Vancouver police officers he fatally stabbed his wife Monica Murrah to “fulfill a prophecy."
A Washington man was arrested for the murder of his wife, who was denied a permanent restraining order against him last year, according to reports.
On Nov. 7, police responded to a home in the 2400 block of F Street in Vancouver shortly before 11 a.m. for an "assault with a weapon call." Outside the property, authorities found Michael Murrah holding a knife. He was arrested by officers without incident, officials said.
According to the case’s arrest affidavit, Michael Murrah had “a red substance on his hands,” which officers suspected to be blood, PEOPLE.come reported.
His wife, Monica Murrah sustained multiple stab wounds to her neck. Her 8-year-old child was inside the home during the attack, Vancouver Police said. She was rushed to a local hospital but was later pronounced dead.
When Murrah was questioned by police, he allegedly admitted he’d slain his wife in “cold blood.”
"Michael said he contacted his wife, and spoke to her with a bible in his hand," the arrest affidavit alleged. "Michael said he later killed his wife in 'cold blood,' stating he stabbed her multiple times in the area of her neck."
The Washington man also told police he’d "stabbed someone who he identified as 'starbeast,'" according to charging documents.
"Michael told [law enforcement] that he killed starbeast to fulfill a prophecy," the affidavit added.
Authorities declined to release additional information surrounding the open case this week.
Vancouver Police Department had previous contact with the couple, the Columbian reported.
In July 2020, Monica Murrah filed a restraining order against her estranged husband, according to online court records obtained by Oxygen.com.
"I am in fear for my life and in imminent danger of my husband due to threats and the incidents that have led me to flee from our home," Monica Murrah stated in her petition for a protection order, cited by PEOPLE.com.
Monica Murrah, who also alleged her husband had physically abused a minor, said Michael Murrah would frequently threaten to kill himself during arguments.
“One time he even grabbed a large knife and sat outside our bedroom threatening to kill himself,” Monica Murrah wrote. “There have been times we've argued and he's put the knife by our bed."
Superior Court Commissioner Carin Schienberg later turned down Murrah’s request, pointing to insufficient evidence.
"A preponderance of the evidence has not established that there is domestic violence," the judge’s order said.
Michael Murrah is being held on a $2 million bail bond, online jail records show. He didn't enter a plea on his behalf at the preliminary appearance at a Clark County courthouse on Nov. 8. Murrah’s arraignment is set for Nov. 19 at 1:30 p.m.
Michael Murrah’s defense attorney, Michele Avalon Michalek, didn’t immediately respond to Oxygen.com’s requests for comment surrounding the case on Thursday afternoon.
