On March 18, 2009 at approximately 8:21 p.m., several citizens noticed a fire burning at the residence of Pat and Janice Yarr on Boulton Road, which is in rural Jefferson County near Quilcene.  After firefighters extinguish the blaze, the bodies of Mr. and Mrs. Yarr were found in the rubble.  Autopsy examination determined both victims had suffered extreme trauma to the head, consistent with a high velocity rifle gunshot.  Autopsy results indicated the victims were deceased prior to being exposed to the fire.

Information obtained during the investigation indicated Pat Yarr owned a .25-06 rifle.  A thorough search of the fire scene developed no trace of this weapon; however fired .25 caliber bullets were recovered from the floor of the residence where the bodies had been discovered.  The investigation later revealed the fire had been set at approximately 8:00 p.m. 

Follow up investigation revealed the victim’s ATM card had been used at a bank cash machine in Quilcene at approximately 8:10 p.m. that same evening.  The transaction was recorded by a security camera associated with the cash machine.

34 year old Michael J. Pierce was identified from the ATM security video and was arrested on 3-28-09.  He had been held on multiple crimes, including murder and arson, and is being held in the Jefferson County Jail.  Pierce told a detective that in exchange for immunity he would provide the identity of the actual shooter.  Pierce also provided specific details of the crime, which included details of the crime, of which details had not been released to the public, or anyone outside the investigation.

On March 26, 2010, after a nearly a two week trial, jurors convicted Michael J. Pierce of the crimes of;

Two counts of 1st Degree Felony Murder, Use of a Firearm in Each Murder, 1st Degree Robbery, 1st Degree Burglary, Theft of a Firearm, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and 2nd Degree Theft.

Pierce awaits his sentencing, which is set for April 22nd at 2:00 p.m.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Family of Pat and Janice Yarr, will be holding a press conference at the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on Monday, March 29th, at 2:00 p.m.