WA man charged with manslaughter in girlfriend's death

A Seattle man has been charged with first-degree manslaughter for the death of his girlfriend, who had muscular dystrophy and relied on him as a live-in caregiver.

Forty-one-year-old Peter E. Gullberg faces at least 6 1/2 to 8 1/2 years' imprisonment if convicted. King County Prosecutor's Office spokesman Dan Donohoe says prosecutors likely would seek an exceptional prison term because the wheelchair-bound victim was especially vulnerable.

Gullberg called 911 Tuesday and reported that his girlfriend, 34-year-old Stephanie Campeau, wasn't breathing at their White Center home. Court documents say he told sheriff's deputies he struck her on both sides of the head with his hands during an argument.

He was arrested and taken to jail, with bail set at $1 million. Gullberg is scheduled for arraignment on May 8.

The couple had known each other for 12 years and lived together for the past six. Court documents say they've dated off and on and Gullberg was her paid caregiver.

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Information from: Seattle Post-Intelligencer, http://www.seattle-pi.com/