BELLINGHAM, Washington-First degree murder charges have been leveled against two members of the Lummi tribe for the murder of a third tribal member. According to court documents, the murder occurred on Lummi Tribal Trust land near Bellingham on December 17th.

U.S. Attorney Jenny A Durkan announced that Johnathan Casey Phair, age 24, had been arrested on December 20th for the stabbing death of Lamar Felipe James. A second suspect, Dezi-Rey Thomas Louie, age 22, is still being sought for his part in the slaying.

According to documents, Phair and Louie attacked James in a home on Smokehouse Road in Bellingham. The men robbed James and fled the home. Witnesses heard James yelling for help. When police and medics arrived, James was still conscious and was able to provide information about one of his attackers. James died a short time later from multiple stab wounds.

The two accused face life in prison for the murder charges.

The case is being investigated by Lummi police as well as the FBI. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Susan Roe.