King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng today announced the filing of four counts of aggravated murder in the first degree and one count of arson in the first degree against Conner Schierman, who is accused of killing four members of a Kirkland family on July 17 and setting fire to their house to cover up the murders.

Olga Milkin, 28, and her two sons, Andrew, 3, and Justin, 5, along with Olga's sister, Lyubov Botvina, 24, were all found inside the burned-out home. According to court documents, each victim had been stabbed before the fire was set. The defendant had moved into the neighborhood within the past few weeks.

"The enormity of the loss in this crime is heartbreaking for surviving family, friends, and for our entire community," Maleng said.

Olga's husband, Sgt. Leonid Milkin, who had been serving in Iraq, returned home after being informed of the murders.

In charging papers filed today, detectives said that a knife, which is believed to be the murder weapon, has been recovered from the crime scene. In addition, video surveillance from a nearby gas station shows the defendant filling two gas containers before the fire was set and gas residue has been discovered on some of the defendant's clothing.

A conviction for aggravated murder in the first degree brings two possible punishments, either the death penalty or life in prison without release. Maleng will have 30 days from the time of arraignment to decide whether or not to request the death penalty.

Schierman, 24, is being held on $10 million bail at the King County Jail. He is scheduled for arraignment at the King County Courthouse on July 31 in courtroom 1201 at 8:30 a.m.

See Related Information: Statement of King County Prosecutor Norm Maleng

Dated: July 24, 2006