Argument Over Motorcycle Spurred Treehouse Murder: Police

ORTING, WA - A man accused of killing another man in a treehouse along the Carbon River early Monday made his first court appearance Tuesday. Troy J. Chute, 42, entered a not guilty plea on charges of first-degree murder and first-degree assault.

Police found the body of Jacob Nicholas, 34, inside the treehouse around 7:30 a.m. Monday. Police were alerted to the incident after a woman was brought to a home near the treehouse with a gunshot wound to the foot.

Chute allegedly shot Nicholas during an argument over a Harley Davidson motorcycle, according to court records. The woman was shot accidentally during the dispute.

Police were already familiar with the treehouse due to apparent transient activity there. Deputies learned that that Chute had allegedly brought the injured woman across the river in a boat and dropped her at the home along Pioneer Way. The homeowner told deputies that Chute had headed back across the river to the treehouse.

Around 7 a.m., the Pierce County SWAT team crossed the river in inflatable rafts and hiked up to the treehouse. Chute was spotted nearby walking along the banks of the Carbon River with his dog. He was arrested without incident.

Image courtesy Pierce County Sheriff