Eugene Elkins was sentenced at the Grays Harbor County Courthouse on Tuesday for the murder of his girlfriend in June of last year.

Grays Harbor Prosecutor Stu Menafee told KXRO that Elkins was sentenced to the high end of sentencing for the murder of 58 year old Kornelia Engelmann, and could spend 234 months, or 19.5 years, behind bars. If he serves the entire sentence, he would not be released until he is 77 years old.

Elkins was charged following the murder of Engelmann at her home on Clemons Road in Montesano. Deputy Coroner Lane Youmans told KXRO the cause of death was ruled as multiple blunt force injuries to the head and torso with internal bleeding.

Elkins fled Grays Harbor prior to officers arriving at the crime scene and led authorities on a statewide manhunt before being arrested outside of Wapato by Yakima Police. He had driven to Eastern Washington in Engelmann ‘s car.

Elkins was also sentenced to court costs and restitution for the murder.

Elkins