— by Lin McNulty, Managing Editor —
An Information was filed today by San Juan County Prosecutors charging Eric A. Kulp with Murder in the Second Degree. His first appearance in San Juan County Superior Court for the 44-year-old has been requested for tomorrow, May 18, 2018 at 9 a.m.
Kulp is charged in connection with the death of his wife, Abigail Jane Finney, 39.
On November 29, 2017, Abigail Finney’s family called San Juan County Sheriff’s Office (SJCSO) and requested a welfare check of Finney, who resided with her husband on Shaw Island. Finney had been scheduled to join her family for Thanksgiving, but did not appear.
A Deputy was dispatched to check on Finney at the residence. Finney’s husband, Eric Kulp, AKA Eric Tubbs was home and told the Deputy she had gone to an unknown rehab facility. He was unconcerned with her whereabouts.
On January 22, 2018 Finney’s family requested an additional welfare check due to the continued lack of contact. SJCSO further learned of an unreported history of domestic violence incidents between Finney and Kulp. When Deputies again arrived at the Blind Bay property they checked the house and found no one at home.
On March 27, 2018 Deputies spoke with Kulp’s most recent known employer who showed a text message sent from Kulp’s phone on November 23, 2017 stating his wife had killed herself earlier in the day. Another text message from Kulp’s phone on March 13 indicated he had had a brief conversation with Finney and she was doing well.
On April 5, 2018, SJCSO executed a search warrant where they located a body in a vehicle registered to Kulp. An autopsy·on April 6 confirmed the remains were those of Abigail Finney.
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This story doesn’t tell well for our SJC deputies. Why did they not investigate more deeply during these “welfare checks”? It seems like they were reticent to going beyond knocking on the door and getting a BS answer.
I feel for Alison’s family and their tremedous loss. Much too much time wasted
deputies doing their best…..
Too much about this story doesn’t add up. That poor woman died because she fell through all the cracks. Thanksgiving was on Nov. 23, yet no welfare check til the 29th. And no missing persons report… which adds up to more questions… were they not close? Because if this were one of my family members, I’d be filing a missing persons report that night.
That first welfare check should have been a red flag; the deputies should have demanded to know WHICH rehab facility – a name, an address. Were all rehab facilities called to enquire about her?
Then the 2nd welfare check, ordered the 18th of January… that is a long time with no answers and no inquiries…. and no arrest made until April 5. This is not to blame her family or the deputies but…
does anyone else have too many questions?
Domestic violence kills, and sadly, it took another victim. I don’t even understand why it’s only a 2nd degree murder charge.