Two charged with murder in shooting

Two people have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with a shooting Saturday near Addy in Stevens County.

Nicholas Scearcy, 25, and 48-year-old Desiree Nielsen both appeared Wednesday before Superior Court Judge Rebecca Baker, Stevens County Prosecutor Tim Rasmussen said. Baker ordered both suspects held on a $1 million bond and set an arraignment for Tuesday.

Scearcy and Nielsen were charged with killing David Buchanan, 64, at his home on Marble Valley Basin Road.

“There was a confrontation and Mr. Scearcy shot Mr. Buchanan. Nielsen was present,” Rasmussen said. “The confrontation was over some property that belonged to Ms. Nielsen and was being held by Mr. Buchanan.”

Nielsen and Buchanan apparently had a previous relationship, Rasmussen said.

“There is physical evidence that connects Mr. Scearcy to the crime scene,” said Rasmussen, who would not identify the evidence.

Scearcy and Nielsen were arrested Tuesday by Stevens County deputies on multiple drug charges, including possession of methamphetamine, marijuana and psychedelic mushrooms. Also arrested was Taylor Nielsen, 18, who is charged with possessing methamphetamine, psilocybin mushrooms, drug paraphernalia and less than 40 grams of marijuana. Taylor Nielsen, whose bail was set at $2,500, will also be arraigned Tuesday.

Washington State Patrol detectives assisted in the case.

Buchanan died of multiple gunshot wounds. He had been holding at least one vehicle owned by Desiree Nielsen.

“I know the confrontation was over some property being retained by Mr. Buchanan,” Rasmussen said. “But I’m not sure that was the motive for the killing.”