Corey Lizette Burke has been charged by prosecutors in King County following a heated argument regarding the lights being left on in their shared home. This dispute allegedly escalated into a tragic act of violence, resulting in the fatal injury of her 67-year-old father, Timothy Burke, on the night of the election, November 5. The circumstances surrounding this incident reveal deep-seated issues that may have been exacerbated by the heightened emotions of the political climate.

According to the charging documents reviewed by the Seattle CBS affiliate KIRO, Corey felt compelled to take drastic action against her father following the argument about his insistence on leaving the lights on. She reportedly expressed feelings of being “overwhelmed” by the events surrounding Trump’s victory, indicating that this political outcome may have heightened her emotional distress and contributed to her violent reaction.

In a shocking revelation to the police, the suspect claimed that her father’s murder was intended to “help people change their attachment to their parents,” asserting that the act needed to happen specifically on election day. This statement raises complex questions about her mental state and the motivations behind such a tragic act of violence.

The suspect allegedly went upstairs to retrieve a climbing “pickaxe” before descending into the basement to confront her father. Reports indicate that she attacked him with both the blunt and sharp ends of the weapon, showcasing a level of violence that suggests a complete breakdown of familial bonds and the influence of intense emotional distress during the altercation.

Initially, as reported by NBC affiliate KING, Corey refused to allow police into the home after neighbors alerted authorities about her allegedly destructive behavior, including breaking windows. This refusal to cooperate may indicate a state of mental turmoil and denial regarding the severity of the situation.

When officers arrived on the scene, they found the suspect outside the home with visible blood on her face, appearing disoriented. Shockingly, she was reportedly “clapping” due to feelings of happiness, as detailed in the charging documents by The New York Post. This response raises further questions about her mental health and emotional state at the time of the incident.

The suspect reportedly exhibited signs of confusion, stating only that she felt “sick” and hadn’t eaten. Initially, she also denied police entry into the home, claiming there was no one else inside. Eventually, she described breaking the windows as an “act of liberation,” suggesting a possible detachment from reality and an urgent need for help.

KIRO reported that Corey requested to be taken to a hospital for evaluation, with officers expressing concerns that she was undergoing a “mental health crisis,” as outlined in the charging documents. This highlights the pressing need for mental health support in situations that escalate to violence.

Following concerns raised by neighbors about Timothy Burke, the police conducted a welfare check at the residence, ultimately discovering both the victim in the basement and the bloody axe used in the attack in the upstairs living room. This tragic turn of events underscores the importance of community vigilance and the necessity for timely intervention in potentially dangerous situations.

According to the affidavit, Corey later informed police that she had a moment of panic during the altercation, feeling overwhelmed by the nature of her relationship with her father, which she described as lacking strong “boundaries.” This insight into their relationship dynamics may provide context for understanding her extreme actions.

At one point during the police interview, she reportedly whispered to an officer, “I killed him.” This admission highlights the gravity of her actions and suggests an awareness of the severity of the crime she is accused of committing.

Following the argument on election night, prosecutors allege that Corey was unable to persuade her father to turn off the lights. She then went upstairs, retrieved an ice axe, and attacked her father by tripping him, strangling him with the axe and her hands, and striking him multiple times with both the blunt and sharp ends of the ice axe. This brutal act left him with serious injuries, including puncture wounds that penetrated his ribs and lungs, showcasing a horrific escalation in their conflict.

Investigators also discovered evidence of blunt force trauma to Timothy’s head, along with bite marks on his back, indicating a violent struggle. These findings emphasize the brutality of the altercation and the tragic consequences of unresolved familial tensions.

The charging documents further allege that Corey remained next to her father until he ceased breathing. She reportedly felt “overwhelmed” by the election results, suggesting that the societal pressures and emotional turmoil from the political climate contributed to the breakdown of her relationship with her father, pushing her to commit this violent act.

As highlighted in earlier reports by The New York Post, Corey expressed feelings of being “hyper-focused and disorganized” concerning her attachment to her father. This disarray in her emotional state raises alarms about her mental capacity to cope with stressful situations, especially the fallout from the election.

According to the King County Medical Examiner’s Office, Timothy Burke died from a combination of severe blunt force trauma, puncture wounds, and asphyxiation. This tragic outcome underscores the lethal potential of domestic conflicts exacerbated by mental health crises.

Corey remains in custody with a substantial bond set at $2 million as the legal proceedings continue. The case highlights not only the personal tragedy but also the broader implications of mental health awareness in the context of familial disputes and violent outcomes.