Approximately 50 people gathered March 24 at Calvary Lutheran Church to honor the life of Carol Parsons, 38, of Lakewood.
The group included adults and children, church parishioners and Parsons’ family and friends. Pastor Lori Cornell led a candlelight vigil. She also led the group in prayers and song. Some in attendance shared memories of Parsons.
Sue Gourley, of Indiana, described her cousin as the “the most caring person” she’s known. She also said of Parsons, “She loved her children.”
The group blessed Parsons’ three surviving children and her extended family. They also prayed for Charles Parsons.
Charles Parsons, 41, of Lakewood, is charged with first-degree murder domestic violence of his ex-wife Carol Parsons. Parsons allegedly shot his ex-wife in the torso at approximately 5:49 p.m. March 17 during a counseling session at Calvary Lutheran Church, 2415 S. 320th St. in Federal Way.
Charles and Carol Parsons were married for 12 years and had three children in common, according to charging documents. The couple divorced about a year ago, but Charles wished to reconcile his relationship with her.
During the session, Charles Parsons asked his ex-wife if she would stop seeing her boyfriend, according to charging papers. When she refused to stop seeing the man, Charles Parsons allegedly fired six shots at Carol Parsons, according to the documents.
Parsons then went outside and called 911, allegedly telling the dispatcher he had “shot his wife in a counseling session in a fit of rage,” according to the paperwork. Parsons set his weapon aside and waited for police to arrive on the scene.
Medics attempted to aid Carol Parsons and transported her to Harborview Medical Center, where she later died of her five gunshot wounds.
Parsons is being held on $5 million bail. The significant bail was set due to Parson’s incentive to flee and danger to the public, according to charging papers. The shooting allegedly took place during a time when there were children upstairs at the church’s daycare. Parsons also allegedly threatened the counselor with the gun.
If convicted on the charges, Parsons faces a 25-year sentence.
