Bail set at $250,000 for Ephrata woman

EPHRATA - A recently-filed police report sheds some light on why a 27-year-old Ephrata woman repeatedly stabbed her twin sister early Sunday.

Sada Jaylene Joe was arrested at her Fifth Avenue Southeast residence after Michelle Lynn Joe reportedly told police her sister was responsible for the attack that left her with six stab wounds and a punctured lung, according to the Ephrata Police Department report.

Grant County Deputy Prosecutor Albert Lin charged Sada Joe with first-degree assault and domestic

violence. A deadly weapon enhancement was included with the charges.

Sada Joe made her first appearance in Grant County Superior Court Monday, where Judge Ken Jorgensen set bail at $250,000.

Ephrata Police Chief Joe Varick said the sisters combined criminal history includes liquor, drugs, theft and driving-related offenses.

During interviews with police, Sada Joe allegedly said she was driven home from Moses Lake by two friends around 5 a.m. Sunday. She arrived at the residence and discovered Michelle Joe inside with two male guests. The two men - who Sada Joe claims were not supposed to be there - were then asked to leave and escorted out.

An argument between the twins ensued, when Sada Joe claims she was attacked and bitten by her sister, the report filed in superior court states. A cut on Sada Joe's hand was later treated by doctors. Sada Joe also had what appeared to be bite marks on her forearm, police said. Michelle Joe contends her sister started the fight.

A friend of Sada Joe's claims he witnessed the altercation between the sisters in the kitchen.

The apparent witness, who contacted police shortly after the incident, said he separated the sisters and brought Michelle Joe to the living room of the residence. Then he allegedly saw Sada Joe dart from the kitchen holding a knife.

The man and his fiancee - after driving Sada Joe home earlier in the morning and allegedly witnessing the twins fighting - quickly left, police said.

Michelle Joe called 911, the police report stated, but the line was quickly disconnected. The emergency dispatcher reported a woman yelled, "I hope you (expletive) die Michelle," before the call broke up.

When police arrived and burst through the front door, only the twins remained inside the residence. They found Michelle Joe bleeding from several stab wounds and arrested Sada Joe.

Michelle Joe was transported to Samaritan Hospital. Police said medical staff at the hospital found six stab wounds, including three to the right leg, one to the left arm, the chest, and shoulder. Michelle Joe was listed in good condition Monday. No further report of her condition was available.

Investigators collected two or three bloody knives from the living room and kitchen. Michelle Joe allegedly said she was stabbed with as many as three knives.

Varick said the incident remains under investigation.

Sada Joe, who remains in Grant County Jail, is scheduled to be arraigned Dec. 11.