Police said a 4-year-old girl was bound by zip ties and duct tape and then shot with a pellet gun by her stepfather.

According to police, 26-year-old Stetson Tedder allegedly shot his stepdaughter with more than 36 pellets from an airsoft rifle. Tedder said he was punishing the girl for waking him up early and having a messy room. 

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter Alison Grande spoke with neighbors whose children play with the 4-year-old victim. 

“I don’t understand how anyone can hurt an innocent child,” said Rebecca Demmitt. “She’s just spunk and colorful, and full of life and wants to be friends with everyone. 

Police said the girl was bound with zip ties and duct tape, then shot.

The girl’s grandmother thought she had chicken pox and took her to the hospital, where nurses called 911.

On Friday, Tedder appeared in court under investigation of assault of a child and domestic violence. He was bailed out of jail in the evening. 

According to detectives, Tedder allegedly tortured his stepdaughter multiple times.

The girl told detectives her mother left when Tedder shot her with a pellet gun because she didn't want to hear her cry.

“It’s the saddest thing. I look at my kids,” said neighbor Jennifer Ward. 

Child Protective Services removed three children from the home.

“My hopes for those kids are they get a fair shot at life,” said Demmitt.  

Tedder is not allowed to have contact with any children and he will be charged on Monday or Tuesday.