King County Prosecuting Attorney Dan Satterberg wants Michele Anderson and Joseph McEnroe to face the death penalty in connection with the slayings of six members of Anderson’s family – four of them from Black Diamond – on Christmas Eve last year.

“The death penalty is this state’s ultimate punishment and is to be reserved for our most serious crimes. I believe this is one of those crimes,” Satterberg said while announcing his decision Oct. 16.

Later the same day, Anderson, 30, and McEnroe, 29, appeared in King County Superior Court before Judge Jeffrey Ramsdell for the formal filing of a notice of intent to seek the death penalty against both defendants. A trial hasn’t been scheduled.

Anderson and McEnroe, who reportedly was her live-in boyfriend when the crimes occurred, are charged with six counts of aggravated murder in connection with the fatal shootings of her parents Wayne Anderson, 60, and Judith Anderson, 61; her brother, Scott, and his wife, Erica, both 32; and the younger couple’s two children, Olivia, 5, and Nathan, 3. The murders occurred inside the Wayne and Judith Anderson’s home in Carnation. Scott and Erica Anderson and their children were residents of Black Diamond and were at his parents’ home for a Christmas celebration.

“Given the magnitude of these alleged crimes, the slaying of three generations of a family, and particularly the slaying of two young children,” the death penalty for the defendants is appropriate, Satterberg said.

The prosecutor’s decision, which he delayed twice, followed a 10-month review of the case. Relatives of the victim, police and attorneys for the defendants were consulted, Satterberg said. He said he considered the case and any factors “favoring the defendants.”

Michele Anderson and McEnroe signed statements admitting guilt and detailing events of the shootings, according to court documents. The pair were arrested after they returned to the scene of the crime while police were there investigating. Authorities said Anderson and McEnroe confessed after several hours of questioning.

According to authorities, Michelle Anderson shot her father with a pistol and McEnroe shot him with a .357-caliber revolver at least once, killing him. McEnroe then allegedly shot and killed Anderson’s mother, and the defendants dragged the bodies to a backyard shed to hide them.

Scott Anderson, and his family arrived soon afterward for a Christmas Eve visit and were killed as possible witnesses, according to court documents. McEnroe shot Scott and Erica Anderson, then shot both children in the head once, authorities alleged. Michelle Anderson also allegedly shot her brother and his wife.

The murders of the Black Diamond family brought an outpouring of emotion from the community. A candlelight vigil was held at Black Diamond Elementary School, where Olivia Anderson was a student. Neighbors of the family and others who knew them attended the event, which was organized partly by members of the school’s PTA.