Police Say Broken 'Blood Oath' Reason For Woman's Slaying

Investigators said a man accused of killing his girlfriend did so because she broke a "Wiccan blood oath," reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Eric Christensen appeared via a video link before a judge on Monday and entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder in the slaying of Sherry Harlan.

Harlan's family watched the proceeding. They told KIRO 7 Eyewitness News North Sound Bureau Chief Lee Stoll that they plan to be in court for every hearing in the future.

Investigators said the 40-year-old Christensen murdered Harlan in her Everett apartment on Jan. 2 or 3, dismembered her body, and then had a friend drive him to several remote areas near Gold Bar where he disposed of most of her remains over the next two days.

The friend came forward days after the killing, and told police that he and Christensen drove around for two days. He said Christensen would tell him to stop, then get out and bury a bag containing some of the remains.

Christensen's attorney asked the details of the crime not be read in court.

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Harlan's co-worker reported her missing on Jan. 5.

On Jan. 7, sheriff's investigators searched Christensen's house and recovered bloody clothing. Portions of vinyl and carpet had been cut out and removed from the apartment, and there was evidence of an attempt to clean up the unit, police said.

That same day, human remains were found in Harlan's burned-out car recovered near Gold Bar.

Prosecutors said Christensen told police that Harlan had broken a "Wiccan blood oath" she had made to break off a relationship with another man.

Friends and neighbors told detectives Christensen had beaten her and that she was afraid to break up with him because she thought he would kill her, investigators said.

Harlan's friends and co-workers gathered Sunday night outside the JC Penney store at the Alderwood mall, where Harlan worked, to remember her.

Christensen has a long criminal history that includes rape, domestic violence, assault, forgery and theft.

Previous Stories: January 8, 2010: Human Remains Found In Missing Woman's Burned-Out Car January 7, 2010: Ex-Boyfriend Arrested In Everett Missing Woman Case January 7, 2010: Smell Of Bleach, Cut-Out Carpet Clues Found At Missing Woman's Home