Murder Suspect Accused of Ambushing Victim Makes Preliminary Appearance in Island County

A judge in Island County Superior Court established probable cause to put Bartlett on trial for murder and unauthorized possession of a weapon.

Brett Bartlett made his first court appearance by telephone on Saturday, facing charges of first-degree murder and unauthorized possession of a firearm that resulted in one death.

Around 1423 on October 11, the Island County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a shooting on Cerullo Drive in Oak Harbor.

When deputies arrived, they discovered a 40-year-old man shot to death.

Paramedics at the scene were unable to revive him and declared him dead on the scene.

During the inquiry, witnesses informed officers that Brett Bartlett, 38, who also lives at the house, ambushed the victim as he opened his door and fired six shots at him.

According to the Island County Sheriff’s Office, the witnesses managed to pull the weapon away from Bartlett and restrain him until authorities arrived.

Bartlett was arrested and jailed on $1 million bail pending trial.