Arlington man arrested on suspicion of murdering robber

ARLINGTON — An Arlington man has been arrested on suspicion of killing a man who allegedly robbed him Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Keira S. Earhart, 38, has been booked in Snohomish County Jail on one count of second-degree murder of 25-year-old Ryan A. Rzechula of Stanwood, who allegedly stole jewelry from the suspect's home.

Neighbors of Earhart reported finding Rzuchula's body near Earhart's property in the 22800 block of 37th Avenue NE in Arlington.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office determined that Rzuchula had suffered a gunshot wound to the back.

"It's an unusual case," said Rebecca Hover, Snohomish County Sheriff's Department spokeswoman. "We don't see cases where the original victim becomes the suspect and the alleged suspect becomes the victim."

Earhart is being held on $1 million bail in Snohomish County Jail.

Detectives determined that the incident started Monday, Nov. 16, when the suspect called 911 to report a burglary in his home.

The suspect said he returned home to find a person running out of his home, and said that some of his wife's jewelry was missing, according to officials.

Snohomish County Sheriff's Deputies and K-9 units were unable to find the burglary suspect.

A few hours later, the Earhart called 911 again and reported the burglary suspect had returned.

A deputy responded to find Earhart looking for the burglary suspect near his home, but the deputy was unable to find the suspect.

On Wednesday, Nov. 18, a neighbor of the homeowner in the area called 911 and reported finding a body in a small creek in the 23400 block of 35th Avenue NE.

Officials reporting finding the body, which they learned was Rzuchula.

Detectives learned that neighbors had heard gunshots Monday afternoon before the homeowner had called 911 the second time.

One witness said the homeowner had told him that he had fired warning shots at the burglary suspect.

Earhart was arrested late Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Contact Arlington Times Reporter Adam Rudnick at arudnick@arlingtontimes.com or 360-659-1300 Ext. 5056.

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