Police: Bellevue couple stabbed at home say attacker was woman 'living in tent in their backyard'



BELLEVUE, Wash. -- An elderly Bellevue couple who were stabbed and suffered serious injuries told officers their attacker was "the homeless girl living in the tent in their backyard," according to Bellevue police probable cause documents filed in King County Superior Court.

A 40-year-old woman who had blood on her was arrested near the home in the 16200 block of Southeast 31st Street and booked into jail for investigation of assault, police said.

Officers found a 76-year-old woman and an 83-year-old man with multiple stab wounds. According to police, the female victim escaped to a neighbor's house and called 911. The couple was taken to Harborview Medical Center with serious injuries.

Police say the couple was stabbed by a woman who had been staying at the home for several weeks.

According to the probable cause documents, a neighbor told police that the elderly couple "have a history of helping homeless individuals," and that they were allowing the suspect to live on their property.

The suspect used a large kitchen knife to attack the couple, and attempted to set the home on fire, police say.

A motive for the attack is still under investigation, and police say there is no immediate threat to the public.