EPHRATA — Daniel Elijah Lybbert pleaded not guilty to a charge of first-degree murder Monday in connection with the Sept. 28 stabbing death of his girlfriend's disabled father.

"As of now, not guilty," Lybbert, 20, told Grant County Superior Court Judge Evan Sperline.

Lybbert, of Moses Lake, is accused of killing 44-year-old Patrick J. Haddican II, of Moses Lake, then turning the knife on himself, according to a Moses Lake Police Department report filed with charging papers.

Haddican lived with multiple sclerosis, was mostly bed ridden and relied on a wheelchair, the man's wife and daughter told police. An autopsy last week by the Grant County Coroner determined he died of multiple stab wounds to the chest.

Lybbert was taken to Samaritan Hospital and treated for his wounds. He was released on Oct. 4 and booked into Grant County Jail.

Both Lybbert and his girlfriend, Jessica Haddican, 22, were doing laundry at her parent's Hayden Drive home on the day of the murder.

During the visit, Lybbert entered Patrick Haddican's bedroom and allegedly began stabbing the man until Jessica Haddican and her mother pulled Lybbert away from the disabled man's bed, court documents state.

Lybbert stabbed himself in the abdomen after being taken to the living room. Jessica Haddican's mother called 911.

At the scene, police found a steak knife and razor blade, both apparently bloody.

When questioned by police about the stabbings, Lybbert said, "You wouldn't understand, I can't explain it," court documents show.

"Sorry, it was the only way I knew how to solve it," Lybbert allegedly said when questioned by police. "It was the only way (to) help (Patrick Haddican)," Lybbert explained.

Based on statements from Jessica Haddican and her mother, police said Lybbert and his alleged victim got along well. Lybbert, who occasionally used methamphetamine, offered to help care for her father, Jessica Haddican told police.

Public defender Mike Haas and Moses Lake lawyer Patrick Earl represented Lybbert Monday in court.

Sperline set a preliminary trial date of Nov. 21.