A man accused of stabbing a King County Metro bus driver to death last week was charged with murder and assault on Monday. Richard Sitzlack, 53, was arrested on Saturday after another bus driver told police Sitzlack was sleeping in the back of his bus.
Prosecutors allege that Sitzlack stabbed 59-year-old Shawn Yim at least 10 times after the two had an argument as Yim's bus passed through the University District.
Sitzlack faces three charges in connection with Yim's death: first-degree murder with a deadly weapon; second-degree assault; and third-degree assault.
Prosecutors have requested that Sitzlack's bail be set at $5 million, citing "the extremely violent nature of the crime and prior acts of the defendant." Sitzlack called 911 last year to report that he'd fatally stabbed his roommate in what he said was an act of self-defense, but was never prosecuted due to a lack of evidence, prosecutors say.
Sitzlack remains in jail and has an arraignment hearing scheduled for Jan. 6.