Everett man convicted in barbell beating of wife

EVERETT — A jury on Wednesday quickly convicted an Everett man in the barbell beating of his wife last year.

A Sept. 8 sentencing date was set for Jeffery C. Marble, 49. He faces a standard sentencing range of 11 to nearly 14 years in prison, prosecutors said.

“We will be asking for the high end,” deputy prosecutor Valerie Shapiro said.

Marble could face federal charges based on evidence that he was trying to manufacture the deadly toxin ricin in his home. Jurors in his trial weren’t told about that aspect of the case.

The jury found Marble guilty of first-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment. Both charges involved a deadly weapon, the jury concluded.

The victim told jurors she was attacked on June 1, 2009, as she was leaving to go to the bank to sort out the family’s deteriorating financial situation.

Marble had hidden from her that the family’s home was in foreclosure.

The woman said she was first struck in the head with a pink barbell. More blows followed.

She said her husband smashed her head against a slate floor and shoved her body into a metal railing. She eventually convinced him to let her go to the bathroom. She tried to escape out a window but her husband pulled her down and continued to hit her, the woman said.

The attack only ended when the couple’s 16-year-old son returned home from school. The teen and his mother fled the house and a neighbor summoned help.

Federal agents weren’t far behind after ricin was found in the home and tests later showed the woman had been exposed to the toxin.

That information didn’t reach jurors. Any testimony about the ricin would have been too prejudicial to the defendant, who was on trial for an assault, Superior Court Judge Gerald Knight ruled earlier in the trial.

It’s against federal law to possess or manufacture ricin. FBI agents and federal prosecutors continue to investigate.

“It’s still pending with the FBI and U.S. Attorney’s Office,” Shapiro said.

Marble allegedly told police he’d looked up recipes to turn castor seeds into ricin. He used a mortar and pestle to grind up the seeds in the family home but denied using it on his wife, according to court papers.

Marble told investigators he used the seeds to poison mountain beavers and moles, but it didn’t seem to be working.

He showed no emotion when the verdict was announced.

Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Helion's 6th fusion prototype, Trenta, on display on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Helion celebrates smoother path to fusion energy site approval

Helion CEO applauds legislation signed by Gov. Bob Ferguson expected to streamline site selection process.

Everett Historic Theater owner Curtis Shriner inside the theater on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Historic Everett Theatre sale on horizon, future uncertain

With expected new ownership, events for July and August will be canceled. The schedule for the fall and beyond is unclear.

Sarah and Cole Rinehardt, owners of In The Shadow Brewing, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025 in Arlington, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
In The Shadow Brewing: From backyard brews to downtown cheers

Everything seems to have fallen into place at the new taproom location in downtown Arlington

Mountlake Terrace Mayor Kyoko Matsumoto Wright speaks during the State of the City prevention at City Hall on Wednesday, May 21, 2025 in Mountlake Terrace, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mountlake Terrace celebrates connections at State of the City address

Over the past year, Mountlake Terrace has focused on preparing for growth and engaging the community.

Driver survives guardrail running through car in Everett crash on I-5

Driver hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Everett
Man stabbed in face outside Everett IHOP, may lose eye

Police say the suspect fled in the victim’s car, leading officers on a 6-mile chase before his arrest.

People swim in the Yost Pool during Open Fitness and Lap Swim on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Feeling the heat in Snohomish County: How hot will it get where you live?

Everett is expected to hit low 80s with inland areas reaching near 90.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.