Man Accused of Murdering Couple with Ties to Oregon City Tried to Cash $96,000 Check

A man accused of murdering his neighbor and his wife tried to cash a $96,000 check just days after the couple was reported missing.

The check to John Reed was from Snohomish County for his home, which had been damaged in the Oso landslide.

The check was too big so the bank split it into five smaller checks.

At the time, Reed and his brother, Tony, had not been identified as suspects in the murder of Oregon City native Patrick Shunn and his wife, Monique Patenaude.

Law enforcement officials made the disclosure in court papers that were unsealed Monday.

The Reeds, who were believed to be headed to Mexico, were able to cash one of the checks before law enforcement officials were able to freeze the money.

Vehicles belonging to the murdered couple have been recovered but their bodies have not been found.