A King County judge on Wednesday, May 6 found probable cause for a charge of Murder in the First Degree against Kyle Wayland Cathcart following his arrest in connection with a Covington homicide investigation, according to prosecutors and court documents.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor Thomas O’Ban told the court during a first appearance hearing that prosecutors believe there is probable cause for Cathcart’s arrest on investigation of first degree murder. Defense attorneys deferred to the court on the probable cause finding.
Cathcart did not appear in court Tuesday, so bail was not set. He remains in custody. Bail arguments are scheduled for Thursday afternoon at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, according to prosecutors.
Court documents state deputies responded May 1 to a reported home invasion stabbing at a residence in the 25800 block of 186th Place SW in Covington.
According to the probable cause statement filed by King County Sheriff’s Office investigators, Cathcart initially called 911 and reported that both he and his wife had been stabbed by intruders who forced entry into the home. Investigators later reported finding no obvious signs of forced entry.
Deputies found Jodi Cathcart dead inside a bedroom of the home. Kyle Cathcart was treated for what investigators described as non life threatening injuries.
The probable cause statement says investigators reviewed Ring camera footage from the home and interviewed Cathcart about the incident. Investigators alleged the person seen leaving the home appeared similar in height and build to Cathcart and that no video footage showed anyone entering the residence before the homicide.
Investigators also stated that clothing believed to belong to Jodi Cathcart was found in a neighboring yard with presumptive positive results for blood.
According to the probable cause statement, investigators later arrested Cathcart in Renton on May 5. The document states Cathcart admitted after receiving Miranda warnings that he planned to kill his wife, put on her clothing, stabbed her with a kitchen knife, attempted to stage a burglary and discarded clothing in a nearby yard.
Prosecutors emphasized that a first appearance hearing is separate from a felony charging decision and carries a lower burden of proof. Prosecutors said King County has not yet received a formal felony case referral from King County Sheriff’s Office investigators but expects one in the coming days.
Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
