Man accused of fatally stabbing wife faces May trial

EVERETT — A man accused of fatally stabbing his wife at their Mill Creek apartment early this year won't face trial until next spring.

Matt Alton, 52, is charged with second-degree domestic violence murder. Snohomish County prosecutors say evidence shows he killed his wife, Norensa Pillias, on Feb. 21.

Alton has been locked up since, his bail set at $1 million. Earlier this month, he appeared in court and agreed with his lawyer's request that the trial be continued until May 4.

Pillias, 66, had moved out of the family home two years before her death, telling others it was necessary for her safety. Her husband at the time had been accusing her of being unfaithful, detectives were told.

She eventually returned, and "there is evidence of past domestic violence that finally led to this brutal and unprovoked stabbing," deputy prosecutor Julie Mohr wrote in documents filed in Snohomish County Superior Court.

Family members told detectives they were awakened the night of the fatal attack by Alton and the woman arguing. He reportedly punched her and left the room.

A short time later, Alton returned and the woman's "screams sounded different," investigators were told.

When the attack concluded, there was a knife stuck in Pillias' chest.

The defendant was outside the apartment when police arrived. He reportedly had blood on his face and clothing.

Scott North: 425-339-3431; north@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @snorthnews.