Trial is underway for Seattle man accused of killing brother in North Cascades National Park

The trial of John Thomson, a 42-year-old Seattle man, is underway as he faces first-degree murder charges for the death of his brother, Robert, aged 69. The fatal incident took place in August 2022, near Diablo Lake, during a trip meant for John's detoxification from heroin and alcohol. Court records reveal that tensions escalated during their return trip, with John alleging that Robert was physically and verbally abusive. Feeling threatened, John claims he shot his brother in the back of the head and continued to fire a total of 20 shots. Afterward, he reportedly discarded Robert's body down an embankment.

Thomson has pleaded not guilty, and his attorney argues that he acted in self-defense. Notably, he is also charged with unlawful possession of a firearm due to his previous felony convictions. The trial began earlier this week in Whatcom County Superior Court and is scheduled to resume on Monday.