Soldier Faces First-Degree Murder Charges in Juanita Teen's Death

Charges of first-degree murder against a soldier in custody at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Dakota M. Wolf, 19, were referred Thursday to the King County Prosecutor’s Office in the Nov. 30 death of Scarlett Paxton of Kirkland.

Kirkland Police said in a press release Thursday evening that an arrest warrant had been issued for Wolf and they are working with military officials to transfer custody of him.

Kirkland Police earlier had identified Wolf as a person of interest in the death of 19-year-old Paxton, who died of neck wounds early on the morning of Nov. 30 outside her apartment in north Juanita.

A soldier in the U.S. Army for about one year, Wolf has been in the corrections facility at Joint Base Lewis-McChord since Nov. 30 for repeatedly going absent without leave.

The press release said Kirkland police continue to investigate the murder and are exploring any link between Paxton and Wolfe. Earlier this week they said that none had been established.

The King County Proseutor's office confirmed that the charges had been filed. Wolf is scheduled for formal arraignment Dec. 28 at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. The prosecutor's office said bail had been set at $2 million.

The charge carries a sentencing range of 22 to 28 years in prison.