Former B.C. woman, husband believed slain, 2 suspects sought

Tony Reed, left, and John Reed are seen in this photo provided by police. (Courtesy Snohomish County Sheriff's Office)

Police in Washington State are now searching for two brothers suspected in the deaths of a Canadian woman and her American husband.

Detectives in Snohomish County say surveillance video ties John Blaine Reed, 53, and Tony Clyde Reed, 49, to the disposal of the vehicles owned by Monique Patenaude, 46, and her husband Patrick Shunn. 45.

Evidence found at the scene where the Land Rover and Jeep Wrangler were found Thursday, as well as at a former residence of John Reed, confirms the missing couple have been murdered, police say.

The couple lived in Arlington, Wash. Patenaude formerly lived in British Columbia.

Authorities say the Reed brothers are convicted felons and are believed to be armed and dangerous. Their current location is unknown.

Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary says the two families lived close to each other and were involved in some kind of property dispute.

He says anyone who has seen either of the Reed brothers should call 911 but should not approach them.

Authorities found a vehicle that belongs to John Reed on Saturday but the suspects' current location is unknown.

Detectives were able to obtain video surveillance footage tying the Reed brothers to the disposal of Shunn and Patenaude’s vehicles. Authorities believe the couple were the victims of “homicidal violence” based on evidence collected at the scene of the missing couple’s vehicles, as well as the former residence of John Reed.

Search and rescue teams continue to search for Shunn and Patenaude in a large area north of the homes of the victims. They were reported missing April 12.

“The recovery of Patrick and Monique is our agency’s number one priority right now, for the sake of their families,” said Trenary. “Our second priority is getting the Reed brothers into custody and off the streets.”

Detectives have confirmed that the Reed brothers are in possession of a red 2007 Volkswagen EOS Coupes, Washington plates AXH5106, a vehicle that belongs to their parents.

John Reed is 5’08”, 190 lbs. with hazel eyes and grey hair. Tony Reed is 5’11”, 150 lbs. with green eyes and grey hair.

Anyone with direct information on the whereabouts of John or Tony Reed, or with information about the investigation into the murder of Shunn and Patenaude, is asked to call 911 or the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office anonymous tipline at 425-388-3845.

Patrick Shunn’s brother Erik Shunn said via Facebook that he will release a statement Monday “about my personal feelings through this whole ordeal and the absolutely amazing people in my life, amazing Sheriff's Office, Search and Rescue, Media, etc.”

He said he would attend a motorcycle race in Portland, Ore. Monday as planned “to get my mind off things” but that he would not be riding.

“I wouldn't have the concentration I need to keep from crashing, or more importantly, not endangering other riders.”