RICHLAND, Wash. – Sarah Creveling took the stand on Thursday to testify in the James Henrikson murder-for-hire trial in Richland.
Creveling is the ex-wife of Henrikson, the man who is facing murder charges for allegedly hiring of someone to murder Spokane businessman Doug Carlile and KC Clarke. Henrikson worked with both Carlile and Clarke in the North Dakota oil business.
Henrikson is accused of hiring Timothy Suckow to kill his business partner, Doug Carlile back in December 2013. Suckow pleaded guilty to the charge and faces 30 years in prison. Henrikson entered a guilty plea in September 2015 but after learning he would be facing life in prison, he withdrew his plea about a week later. A judge decided his guilty plea will not be mentioned during his trial.
In September 2015, a judge granted Henrikson’s lawyers request to have the trial be moved out of Spokane County to Richland so he could get a fair trial.
The defense began by asking Creveling about an accident Henrikson had that sent him to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for 30 days. Creveling said Henrikson had burns and had to get skin grafts.
Creveling told the court she and Henrikson met with an FBI agent in North Dakota when he got out of the hospital. Creveling said she read an article stating a body was found and Henrikson was “white as a sheet.”
The defense said it was not until September 2015 that Creveling told the prosecution about telling Henrikson a body was found. The defense asked if that detail came out after she was charged with her own crimes. Creveling said she thought she told them before.
The defense asked Creveling if she had ever seen a pill machine in her home, to which she said no. The defense then presented a picture of a pill press. Creveling said she had never seen anything like it.
Creveling said Tex Hall met with Carlile to discuss a business deal. Hall is the third hit Henrikson allegedly tried to orchestrate.
Creveling also said Henrikson would frequently call and text Robert Delao and other workers. Delao is charged with involvement in the murder of Carlile.
The defense asked Creveling if there was some frustration among the investors about Doug Carlile. She said there was.
The prosecution then asked Creveling follow-up questions.
Creveling said she did not have any knowledge of Tex Hall meeting with Doug Carlile. She said Henrikson threatened to sue Carlile.
When the prosecution asked her, “Who was Tex Hall’s boss?” Creveling replied, “I guess technically James.”
Creveling said she purchased expensive jewelry and a Bentley with Blackstone money. She said those purchases were Henrikson’s idea.
The prosecution then ran through a list of companies Creveling set up. Creveling told the court it was Henrikson’s idea to set up the shell companies.
Creveling said she was provided with an immunity letter to testify. She admitted she is hoping to receive a lesser sentence for her crimes because of her testimony against Henrikson.
When asked about an oil deal between the two, Creveling said Henrikson and Carlile both said they could be bought out of the deal for a price, but neither of them wanted to be bought out. When Henrikson learned Doug Carlile had been killed, Creveling said he was weirdly calm.
The defense asked Creveling about the oil deal involving Carlile a second time.
“Doug said ‘Make me a good enough offer and I’ll get out,’” said Creveling.
Creveling was then excused.