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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Court docs: Tony Callihan told stepfather he killed a woman

Callihan
A fugitive suspected of homicide told his stepfather he killed a woman before fleeing the Spokane area in a stolen car, according to court documents filed today. Tony T. Callihan, 38, is accused of strangling 48-year-old Michelle Koenen after the pair got into a fight at what is described in those documents as a “meth party.” Callihan’s stepfather, Kenneth Felix, called 911 after Callihan admitted to the killing and then left Felix’s home in the 7100 block of North Regal Street, according to police. Callihan told Felix that he shoved Koenen and then choked her, Felix told detectives, according to the search warrant filed today. On Friday, police discovered Koenen’s partially clothed body in bed covered by a blanket in a West Central apartment. An autopsy determined she had been strangled. Felix told detectives he was familiar with the Broadway Avenue address because he had dropped off his stepson there a week earlier. Felix said he believed Callihan had a girlfriend living there named “Michelle,” court documents show. Police are searching for Callihan, and believe he drove away in Koenen’s 2000 light greenish gray Dodge Stratus. Callihan visited his stepfather Thursday night, driving what appeared to be Koenen’s car, according to records. Felix told police he chastised Callihan for driving with a suspended license. According to court documents, Callihan told his stepfather: “Don’t worry about that, that’s the least of my worries.” Callihan’s demeanor that night was described in court documents as nervous, fidgety and “freaking out.” Callihan gathered some clothing, borrowed money from Felix and left in the car. Police say Callihan was seen stealing gas from a Central Washington University maintenance truck Monday. Police ask that anyone who knows his whereabouts call 911.