CENTRAL KITSAP — Kitsap County Sheriff’s detectives have arrested a woman they believe is responsible for the stabbing death of her 54 year-old spouse almost three months ago.
Chong C. Charpentier, 55, was taken into custody Nov. 26 at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, following her release from hospitalization because of injuries sustained in a fire inside her residence immediately after the attack on her husband, Sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Scott Wilson reported.
Charpentier was transported to and booked into Kitsap County Jail on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree arson. Bail was set at $2 million.
Her husband, Alan Joseph Charpentier, died after suffering stab wounds in an alleged assault that occurred at the couple’s residence in the 8500 block of Covina Loop NE, north of Bremerton in the east area of unincorporated Central Kitsap.
Sheriff’s patrol deputies went to the address late in the morning, Aug. 31. A neighbor had called 9-1-1 to report that Alan Charpentier had been stabbed and stumbled across the road to their residence for help. The neighbor performed first aid while waiting for Central Kitsap Fire & Rescue emergency crews and sheriff’s deputies to arrive.
Deputies arrived to find Alan Charpentier being treated on the front porch of the neighbor’s residence. Medics arrived shortly afterwards, employed emergency care, and transported the man to Harrison Medical Center in Silverdale in preparation for helicopter airlift to Seattle. Alan Charpentier died a short time later at Harrison.
While at the residence, deputies observed smoke coming from inside the house. Firefighters extinguished the blaze quickly and found Chong Charpentier lying on the floor inside. She was removed and transported to Harrison Medical Center in Bremerton before being airlifted to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of smoke inhalation and burn injuries to her lower extremities.
Sheriff’s detectives continued the investigation, contacting neighbors and acquaintances of the couple. Detectives developed probable cause that Chong Charpentier was responsible for her husband’s fatal injuries, Wilson reported.
Detectives obtained a search warrant and entered the home where they found several ignition sites where the fire started. Detectives also retrieved a large kitchen knife, suspected to be the murder weapon.
Following an autopsy, the Kitsap County Coroner determined that Alan Charpentier’s death was caused by multiple stab wounds and the manner was classified as homicide.
In investigating the fire, the Kitsap County Fire Marshal determined that the fire was set intentionally by the suspect.
Chong Charpentier is expected to make an initial court appearance early next week, Wilson reported.
