The man suspected of killing 39-year-old Teresa Butz, Isaiah Kalebu, 23, has entered a plea of not guilty in King County Superior Court on charges aggravated murder, first-degree attempted murder, first-degree rape and first-degree burglary.

He remains in King County Jail on $10 million bail.

Kalebu is accused of entering the house of Butz and her 36-year-old parter through an open window at a home in the South Park neighborhood on July 19. The other woman was seriously injured but is recovering.

The King County Prosecutor's office said they are considering whether or not to seek the death penalty for Kalebu and will make that decision upon further review of the case during the next few months.

It's suspected that the suspect may have a form of undiagnosed bi-polar disorder and manic depression, though that has not yet been determined. It is unknown whether that played a role in the July 19 assault and murder.

The suspect is also a suspect in the deaths of his aunt and her tenant, Rachel Kalebu, 62, and John Jones, 57, in a July 9 fire at the aunt's University Place home.

Kalebu was questioned at the scene of the blaze but was released by police.

July 25, 2009

Seattle Police homicide detectives have identified a suspect in the July 19 South Park murder/attempted murder case and currently have him in custody. Probable cause exists for police officers to arrest Isaiah M.K. Kalebu, age 23, for murder, according to the Seattle Police.

Kalebu is six feet tall with a slim build. Detectives and officers are searching for him at this moment.

A 39-year-old woman, Teresa Butz, was killed in the attack. The surviving victim, a 36-year-old woman, is recovering from her injuries

Kalebu is the same individual captured by surveillance video that was distributed on July 24. There are no other suspects wanted in this investigation.

Preliminary reports indicate that a Metro Bus operator who had knowledge of the suspect description contacted the Seattle Police Communications Center with a possible suspect sighting at Northeast 65th Street and Sandpoint Way in North Seattle. This occurred at around 6:30 p.m. July 24.

North Precinct patrol officers saturated the area and searched for the suspect. Officers located the suspect and his dog in Magnuson Park. The suspect surrendered to officers without incident.

He is in custody and en route to Seattle Police Headquarters for questioning. He will ultimately be booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Murder. The suspect was with his pit bull at the time of apprehension. The dog has been released to the care of Seattle Animal Control.