Story and Photos by Scott Schaefer

Tuesday afternoon (Mar. 2nd) around 2pm, a potential domestic disturbance 9-1-1 call in Burien turned into the shooting death of a Pit Bull at an apartment near the intersection of 4th Ave SW and SW 155th.

According to a King County Sheriff’s officer on the scene, the Pit Bull escaped from its apartment when its owner, who was unrelated to the original disturbance call, heard some commotion. The dog then allegedly “charged” a cop, who shot it in self-defense. The officer (or possibly another officer) then had to “euthanize” the injured dog by shooting it again, possibly numerous times, according to witness accounts.

The dog’s body was covered in a yellow tarp when we arrived, as Animal Control officers and police continued to investigate the scene.

A neighbor who witnessed the attack told us that he felt the Pit Bull had endangered and scared other residents and children before.

UPDATE 3/3/10 Noon: We just received a response from Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer, who said:

There is an ongoing investigation of this case so I will need to be somewhat brief in my response.

I can tell you the officer was not bitten.

Dog attacks happen occasionally and like any life/safety issue, the Officers are trained to respond to the level of danger using necessary force.

Some of the other questions may be answered in the course of the investigation.

- Chief K

Here are photos we took on the scene shortly after it happened (WARNING: one pic includes visible dog blood):

Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer

On the busy 12400 block of Ambaum Blvd., a quiet, makeshift memorial stands as a tribute to Mikarah Nasabreo Sanders, the 15-year old girl who was shot and killed by her 16-year old boyfriend on New Year’s Eve, who later shot himself.

Sadly, Sanders died from her wounds and the male suspect is still being treated (and guarded) at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle (read our previous coverage here). King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg has said that the suspect will likely be charged as an adult with murder in connection with Sanders’ death.

The most recent reports we’ve heard are that the suspect was upset with something he read on Sanders’ MySpace page. Other reports say that the couple argued frequently.

Like most temporary memorials, this one’s got photos protected by plastic sleeves, melted candles and notes, as well as some odd and ironic items like a mysterious, open, black umbrella (we’re not sure of its significance – anyone know? UPDATE: Occam’s Razor called and told us that it was probably placed there to protect the shrine from rain), and an empty peach vodka bottle lying next to stuffed animals – all as a tribute to a life lost way too early.

Scott Schaefer stopped by Thursday morning (Jan. 7th) and shot this Photo Slideshow:

Click to View Scott Schaefer’s Photo Slideshow

On a personal note, we’re getting kinda tired of seeing these memorials all around the Burien area. Let’s get along peeps!

UPDATE TUES. 1/5/10: The 15-year old girl who was fatally shot on New Year’s Eve in Burien has been identified as Mikarah Nasabreo Sanders by the King County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Sanders was shot in the head by her 16-year old former boyfriend around 9:30pm on Thursday, Dec. 31st at an apartment complex in the 12400 block of Ambaum Blvd. SW.

She later died at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The shooter, who also shot himself in an apparent suicide attempt, is still under police supervision at Harborview while he recovers.

Authorities say that he’ll likely will be charged with murder for this crime, and is expected to be charged as an adult.

PREVIOUSLY:

The King County Sheriff’s Department released more information on the double shooting that happened Thursday night (Dec. 31st), and here’s the latest, as of 1:45pm Jan. 1st:

King County Deputies responded to a double shooting last night at an apartment complex located at 12445 Ambaum Blvd SW.

When deputies arrived at 9.30 PM they found a juvenile male and a juvenile female both suffering gunshot wounds.

The female later died from her wounds and the male is being treated in hospital for what appears to be a serious but non life threatening gunshot wound.

At this time detectives are continuing their inquiries.

The preliminary investigation indicates the juvenile male shot the female and likely shot himself; however, detectives have not had the opportunity to interview him.

He is under police guard at hospital while the investigation continues.

PREVIOUSLY:

KING-TV reports that a “double shooting” happened Thursday night (Dec. 31st) around 9:30pm at an apartment complex located at SW 124th and Ambaum Blvd.

One of the victims, a teenage girl, died last night from her injuries; a 16-year-old boy was severely injured. Both were taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The shooter remains at large, and no description has been released. As of 10:30am Friday (Jan. 1st), reports are that the gunman was actually the 16-year old boy; we’re still awaiting word back from police on this and will update as soon as we learn more.

“We are currently guarding the male half at Harborview,” said Burien Police Chief Scott Kimerer Friday morning. “I am not sure if the reports have the complete story but I have nothing else right now.”

According to police, the two victims were found in separate apartments, and reports are that an argument apparently led to the shootings.

We’ll post more info as we get it, so stay tuned.

On Tuesday (Dec. 8th) and Wednesday (Dec. 9th), all Papa John’s Pizza Restaurants between Seattle and Tacoma, including the nearest one in Normandy Park, will donate 100% of their profits to the families of the four slain Lakewood police officers.

You read that right – if you make a purchase from any Papa John’s in King, Pierce or Kitsap Counties on Tuesday (12/8) or Wednesday (12/9), you’ll not only get some slices, but a 100% slice of profits will go directly to the families of the fallen officers, including the family of Mark Renninger, who served eight years nearby in the Tukwila Police Department (read our coverage here).

The nearest Papa John’s locations are (see map below):

Papa John’s – Normandy Park
19893 1st Avenue South
Normandy Park, WA 98148-2412
(206) 248-3333

Papa John’s – West Seattle
5252 California Avenue SW
Seattle, WA 98136
(206) 938-3000

Papa John’s – Kent
1432 West Meeker Street
Kent, WA 98032-4320
(253) 893-1111

Papa John’s – Federal Way
112 Southwest 312th Street
Federal Way, WA 98023
(253) 945-7575

It appears that you may also be able to order online as well – click here to go to the Papa John’s website.

We also encourage you to call and make sure the PJ’s you’re going to will be participating in this fundraiser.

Papa John’s has a Facebook page that may have more updated info – click here.

Here’s a map of area Papa John’s:

View Larger Map

A special “Tip-A-Cop” fundraiser is being held by the Tukwila Police Department this Friday night, Dec. 4th, to help raise money for the families of the Lakewood Police Officers killed last Sunday (Nov. 29th).

The fundraiser will be at the Claim Jumper Restaurant (located at 5901 S. 180th Street in Tukwila), beginning at 4pm, and all donations collected between 4-11pm will go to a trust established for the families of fallen Lakewood Police Officers Mark Renninger, Tina Griswold, Greg Richards and Ronnie Owens, who were all shot and killed at a coffee shop in Lakewood this past Sunday.

As we reported on Nov. 29th, Officer Renninger served eight years on the Tukwila Police Department, and was most recently a member of the Lakewood P.D. and S.W.A.T. team. He is survived by his wife and three children.

“Tip-A-Cop” is a great, fun fundraiser, where, for a small donation, you can pay to have a friend or family member “arrested” and taken out of the restaurant by uniformed cops. It’s all in fun, for a great cause, and from our own previous experience it provides a lot of laughs as well as a great way to meet and learn about local law enforcement.

Other participants will include Valley SWAT, Tukwila Fire Department and Les Schwab.

Sunday morning (Nov. 29th) four Lakewood Police Officers were shot and killed in a coffee shop when a suspect suddenly opened fire, and one of the victims, Sgt. Mark Renninger, served eight years with the Tukwila Police Department.

Here’s the most recent report:

Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Greg Richards, and Officer Ronald Owen were shot and killed at a coffee shop in the Lakewood area.

A man entered a coffee shop where the four officers were working on their laptop computers. He stood in line and when he reached the counter he pulled a gun out of his coat and turned and started firing at the four officers. Two officers were hit before they could react, one officer was shot as he attempted to struggle with the gunman, and another officer fired toward the gunman as he fled, and may have hit him. Two employees and other customers were inside the coffee shop, but were not shot or injured. All four officers died at the scene.

Renninger was born and raised in Bethlehem, PA, and served in the military. He was one of six siblings, served with the Tukwila P.D., and was most recently a member of the Lakewood Police and S.W.A.T. team. He is survived by his wife and three children.

Along with Sgt. Renninger, others slain include Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Greg Richards, and Officer Ronald Owen.

Griswold is survived by her husband and two children, Richards by his wife and three children, and Owen by his daughter.

On Sunday, numerous Facebook pages were created in the officers’ honors, including:

• A Facebook page was created in memory of Renninger
• A Facebook page for the four slain officers
• Another Facebook group created for all officers

The suspect has been identified as Maurice Clemmons, 37, of Tacoma. He apparently has a long criminal record with evidence of violence, erratic behavior as well as potential mental health issues.

We here at The B-Town Blog (along with all our sister sites) send our condolences to all the families and friends, and hope that justice is served for this heinous crime.

Burien native and King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced Thursday (Nov. 12th) that Christopher John Monfort, 41, will face charges of aggravated first-degree murder charges for the killing of Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton, along with three counts of attempted first-degree murder for allegedly trying to kill his partner, aiming a gun at police, as well as first-degree arson charges for trying to kill officers by firebombing police vehicles at a city maintenance yard.

Along with that litany of charges, it’s also probable that Satterberg will pursue the death penalty for Monfort, as aggravated first-degree murder of a police officer is punishable by one of two sentences in Washington — life in prison without parole or the death penalty.

As we previously reported, Monfort was shot last Friday (Nov. 6th) outside his Tukwila apartment after being approached by police about his car, which matched a vehicle seen near the scene of Brenton’s death on Halloween night.

After aiming a malfunctioning handgun at police, Monfort was shot on the scene and is still in custody at Harborview Medical Center. It was also revealed by his family today that he is paralyzed from the waist down as a result of the shooting.

According to Seattle Police documents, Monfort’s apartment had a cache of weapons, including bomb-making materials. He is also believed to have “worked alone” in the fatal shooting of Officer Brenton, and has been called a “lone terrorist” in this case. Detectives have recovered DNA evidence from both the arson scene at the city maintenance facility and the scene of Officer Brenton’s murder directly tying him to both incidents.

Detectives also recovered a .223 caliber rifle from Monfort’s apartment, and a ballistics test identified it as the firearm used in Officer Brenton’s murder.

Also recovered from Monfort’s apartment was a considerable amount of bomb-making material and evidence that indicates that the type of explosive devices Monfort was in the process of making or had made were even more lethal than the ones used in the Oct. 22nd arson.

According to police, “he clearly was intending to inflict even more destruction in his next criminal attack.”

Further examination of the explosive devices used in the arson and of the devices found in his apartment indicate that Monfort was also intending to harm first responders to the scene, such as police and fire department personnel.

Monfort once attended Highline Community College in Des Moines, where he became involved in student government and was elected vice president of legislation.

The Oct. 23, 2003, edition of HCC’s student newspaper The Thunderword describes how Monfort ran for student senate and spoke at a candidates’ forum, where he was quoted as saying:

“Too often, too many of us walk around with our head in the clouds.”

According to the article, Monfort:

“…believes he is unique, because he is upset about our current state of government and actually wants to do something about it. … The student body has been cheated and lied to by the Bush Administration,” said Monfort. He plans on putting together a petition to bring our soldiers home.”

Monfort was also quoted as saying: “Our freedom is under attack.“

UPDATE Sat. 11/7/09: The Seattle Police Department released more information Saturday about Christopher J. Monfort, the suspect shot Friday in Tukwila after being approached about his car, a Datsun B-210 that matched a vehicle seen near the scene of Officer Timothy Brenton’s death on Halloween.

He was shot on the scene and is currently in serious condition and in custody at Harborview Medical Center.

According to the latest reports, Monfort’s apartment had a cache of weapons, including bomb-making materials. He is now believed to have “worked alone” in the fatal shooting of Officer Brenton, and is also a suspect in the Oct. 22 firebombing of seven Seattle police vehicles.

Monfort once attended Highline Community College in Des Moines.

Here’s the release:

On the afternoon of November 6^th , 2009, Seattle Police Homicide detectives received a tip about a Datsun 210 matching the description of a possible suspect vehicle used in the slaying of Officer Tim Brenton. Detectives responded to a parking lot in the 13700 block of 56^th Avenue South in Tukwila. While detectives were investigating the scene further an adult male suspect emerged and pointed a gun at them. Detectives fired on the suspect in self defense, striking him at least once. The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries. No detectives were injured.

The Tukwila Police Department is handling the crime scene investigation and the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the officer-involved shooting investigation.

SPD detectives obtained search warrants to further examine the crime scene. Evidence located inside the suspect’s apartment included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rifle, and various other items of evidence.  Detectives now believe that this individual is responsible for both the murder of Officer Brenton,  the attempted murder of Officer Sweeney, and the arson attack on October 22^nd at the Charles Street facility. Detectives are asking the Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges. The Datsun that detectives were looking for is registered to the suspect.  Our investigation into the murder of Officer Tim Brenton and attempted murder of Officer Britt Sweeney continues and we are still receiving and following up on tips.  We have received numerous tips from the public and we encourage everyone to continue to call us with any information they may have regarding this investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 , or the tipline at (206) 233-5000.  Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include “TIP486″  to ensure proper routing.  Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

PREVIOUSLY: Friday afternoon (Nov. 6th), shortly after Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton’s memorial concluded, a suspect named Christopher J. Monfort was shot outside his apartment building in Tukwila, prompting a massive outpouring of police to the area.

Police were apparently serving a search warrant on Monfort, 41, when he pulled out a weapon. He was shot on the scene and is currently under custody at Harborview Medical Center.

Monfort apparently attended Highline Community College in Des Moines, where he ran for student office in 2003.

According to HCC’s “Thunderword” student newspaper dated Nov. 20, 2003 (PDF link to issue), Monfort’s platform was:

“Christopher Monfort said he’s running to make the student body more aware of the civil liberties lost under the Patriot Act and the current political administration (Bush).

Monfort said students should vote for him because he actually cares about the world and wants to make a positive change.”

Monfort also studied law enforcement issues at the University of Washington.

Seattle Police Officer Timothy Brenton was shot and killed as he sat in his patrol car with an officer-trainee after a traffic stop on Capitol Hill on Oct. 31. Thousands of officers from around the country attended a memorial Friday afternoon for him at KeyArena in Seattle.

According to numerous witnesses, two separate crime incidents resulted in shots fired and tires slashed on at least six cars near Burien’s Three Tree Point neighborhood over the last week.

Here are details as relayed to us by neighbors:

1. On Sunday, Oct. 11th, shots were fired during an incident where one neighbor allegedly assaulted guests of another neighbor’s residence. No one was injured, and apparently only minor injuries resulted from the assault. At least eight King County Sheriff’s Department officers responded, along with one helicopter, pictured (photos courtesy Dane Johnson) and, according to witnesses, they were heavily armed as they searched the neighborhood for the suspect. The assaulting individual was apprehended and taken to jail. Officers have been called to the residence multiple times in the past, and reports are that actions are being taken to get the renters evicted from this property. Here are two postings from the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group:

“16XXX Maplewild, it’s a rental that was recently foreclosed on … one of the individuals living there is often under the influence, easily agitated and violent when provoked.”

“FYI, last night’s ( ~ 11:00 – 1:00) police activity in the 16500 block of Maplewild SW was due to a neighborhood incident where one of the neighbors assaulted guests of another neighbor’s residence ending with gunshots being fired. No one was shot and I believe only minor injuries resulted from the assault. At least 8 officers responded and they were heavily armed as they searched the neighborhood. The assaulting individual was being taken to jail. This is not the first time this has happened w/ this individual. Officers have been called to the residence (a rental at 16XXX Maplewild) multiple times in the past. Actions are being taken to get the renters evicted from this property.”

1. On Thursday, Oct. 8th, six cars had their tires slashed on the north end of Maplewild after midnight. No suspects were seen, but a police report was taken. Here’s a posting from the Three Tree Point Yahoo Group:

“I don’t know if anyone knew what happened on the north end of Maplewild last week (Thursday night Oct. 8th), but six cars (that we know of) had their tires slashed. Ours had 7 stabs in it and was parked in front of our garage. The police came and did a report, but we all know how far that will go. It was after midnight on Thursday because we had been out to the airport before that. It was certainly a waste for everyone involved, I was out of town so I don’t know if it was in the three tree group or not. Just letting people know how they have to be so careful with their property, and never ever leave anything valuable in their car.”

(Photos by Dane Johnson)

According to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department, a 41 year-old woman shot her 55 year-old boyfriend at least twice with a handgun around 10:30pm last night (Oct. 1st) in the 800 block of SW 117th, which is in the newly-annexed area.

The male victim was taken to Harborview Hospital in Seattle with non life- threatening injuries.

The couple live with the man’s brother and the woman’s 15 year-old son, both of whom were home at the time of the shooting.

The son called 911 and everyone except the female suspect made their way out of the house as deputies arrived.

The woman refused to come out of the house or communicate with deputies for over three hours. Eventually the Sheriff’s SWAT Team entered the residence and took the woman into custody just before 2am.

The female suspect was booked into the King County Jail for Investigation of Assault in the First Degree. A small caliber handgun was recovered inside the house.

According to The Wenatchee World, Kino Michael Gomez, 51, who was charged with first-degree murder in the July shooting of sound engineer and Des Moines native Tom Pfaeffle, has fled and is being sought by police.

According to the report, Gomez, of Seattle, wrote his family a “good-bye” letter, telling them he was taking a “one-way trip to the mountains.”

Gomez is charged in the shooting death of Pfaeffle, 49, at a Twisp hotel when Pfaeffle tried using his card key on the wrong room. Gomez fired two rounds through the door, killing Pfaeffle.

Here’s a quote from Gomez “good-bye” letter (see below for a scan of it):

“The media, the bloggers, the police, the justice system, none of whom witnessed the alleged crime, already hung me. … Well, just for spite, I shall deprive society of the circus it so bloody craves — the bearded lady quit!”

According to the World:

Twisp Police Chief Rick Balam said law enforcement agencies across the country have been notified, and are warned that he could be armed and dangerous. Gomez’s letter says he took his guns, and adds, “It will be quick and painless. Let no one get in my way — I will not be very kind. Despair has now changed to anger.”

Gomez was scheduled to attend a hearing in Okanogan County Superior Court tomorrow (Thursday, Sept. 17th).

Here’s a copy of the “good-bye” letter:

Read the full story here.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Memorial Service For Des Moines Native Tom Pfaeffle Is Aug. 13th
• Murdered Sound Engineer Tom Pfaeffle Was A Des Moines Native

KJing County Sheriff’s Department reports that on Friday, Aug. 21st, a clerk in a Circle K store in nearby Auburn didn’t believe a young robber was carrying a real gun, so she did what any normal clerk would do any overly worked and underpaid clerk would do – she grabbed for it.

The robber popped off a round into the ceiling, hitting a light fixture, and the clerk quickly became a believer.

The robbery occurred just after 1am on Friday, August 21st at 5011 S. 288th Street in Auburn.

A man came into the store with a bandana covering his face, pulled out a semi-automatic pistol and demanded “all the cigars, chew, and everything” from the clerk.

The clerk said “Are you kidding?” and told the suspect to leave the store, in no uncertain terms. When the robber reached for some merchandise the clerk grabbed for the gun. The suspect pulled his arm back and fired into the ceiling before leaving the store. The clerk was not injured.

The robber was about 140 lbs, around 5’ 5” tall, perhaps 15 to 18 years old. He wore a black, White Sox baseball hat, black jacket, tan shorts and white shoes. And of course the black bandana. Differing descriptions by witnesses have his race as black or white.

In addition, there was a likely accomplice in the store just before the robbery wearing a red sweatshirt. He stood outside the store, held the door for the robber, and even peeked in during the robbery.

If anyone knows either suspect or has information on the crime, they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

On Friday (July 24th), the King County Sheriff’s Department released the surveillance photo below of the car driven by suspects in the June 24th shooting that left an 18 year-old man dead in SeaTac:

The vehicle is thought to be a white BMW 5 series or 7 series with a sunroof.

The photo was taken by a nearby security camera just moments after the shooting.

The incident occurred around 11:30pm, and the victim was in the backseat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him. A second vehicle (a white BMW) began following them, but turned off at South 140th. As it did, several gunshots were fired and the man was hit.

The men drove straight to Highline Hospital and the victim collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The dead man is from California and was in the area visiting relatives.

If anyone recognizes the vehicle or has information on the shooting they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office immediately at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

by Janet Grella

By now many of our Readers have heard about the death of Tom Pfaeffle, a noted sound engineer who was recently killed in Twisp, when he apparently put his hotel room key into the wrong door then was shot.

But what you may not know is that Tom was born and raised nearby in Des Moines. He continued to live in his family home there until he and his family needed more room for the kids and sound studio and moved to Black Diamond where he opened “The Tank Studios.” This was about five years ago.

We first first learned about the shooting death of this music industry sound man extraordinaire when Matt Pina and his wife stopped by our booth at the Farmers Market last week. Matt alerted us to the news, and was visibly shaken.

At that point we Googled Pfaeffle’s name, and there was no information yet about his death since it had happened just the night before. Now there’s numerous sites reporting his death and paying homage to him, remembering him as the great sound guy that he was. Pfaeffle, a 30-year veterean, worked as a sound engineer with these bands:

• Nirvana
• The Black Crowes
• Great White
• Heart
• Queensryche
• Scorpions
• UB40
• Aerosmith
• Alice Cooper
• Rodney Crowell
• B.B. King
• and “countless others”
  

But what mainstream media and the internet aren’t saying is that Tom Pfaeffle was born and raised in Des Moines.

His childhood friend Aaron DeAnda remembers him this way:

Tom and I first met in our neighborhood Delrose Manor in Des Moines near Highline Community College. He was a few years younger than me. We had such good times as kids. His dad is gone now, and his mother, Charlotte, lives in Arizona. Tom was an only child, so he considered all the neighborhood guys his brothers. We played a lot of football in the streets. Tom was in our band, “Session,” in high school. Tom played guitar and was the sound man. He wanted to do sound as long as I can remember. He was very focused. Of all of us he was the only one to make a living in music. He had a good ear for sound…a critical ear.

He was passionate about music and he reached out to everyone. He considered everyone ‘family’. We’d still get together for sushi or at 909 in Burien listening to live music.

Aaron is now a Burien resident and is in a band with fellow MRHS graduate Matt Pina. Their band, “Uncle Ernie’s,” recently performed at Mick Kelly’s and hope to be back there soon. Aaron plays drums while Matt plays bass.

Matt not only played in the band “Rolling Boulders” with him, he provided these exclusive photos of he and Tom in younger years (Tom’s in the striped shirt):

Matt and Tom were in the class of ‘79 at Mt. Rainier High School. We asked Matt to remember his friend and fellow Des Moines native.

I was very proud of Tom, he had a great ear and knew how to make the music sound great.

Like everyone, we fumbled as we learned our craft, but Tom persevered. He became successful and turned his dream into reality. In fact he’s the only person I know who ever turned their musical dreams into reality (more than a hobby).

One of my most vivid memories of Tom is about 12 years ago. He was engineering a recording for a few of us from Instant Karma that were getting re-aquainted. On a break when everyone had headed outside, Tom picked up an acoustic guitar and began strumming a favorite song of mine, Neil Young’s “The Needle and The Damage Done”. I was captivated and really enjoyed that moment. I can’t say why it was special, but it was. It was just a moment of purity. A short performance by the man who ran the board. He wasn’t really known for his guitar playing, but that moment was genuine and awesome.

Friends from Tom’s life, the music industry and others will celebrate his life at St. Philomena’s Church, located at 1790 South 222nd Street in Des Moines (206-878-8709) on Wed., July 29th at 11am.

The King County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a white, 1990s-model 4-door BMW 5 Series car (see included reference photos of a similar vehicle) driven by the suspects in a shooting that left an 18 year-old man dead on Wednesday night.

As we previously reported, the incident occurred about 11:30pm on Wednesday, June 24th. The victim was in the back seat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him in the car. A second vehicle began following the victim’s car but turned off at South 140th. As it did, several rounds were fired and the man was hit.

The men drove straight to Highline Medical Center in Burien, and the victim collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The dead man is believed to be from California and was in the area visiting relatives.

If anyone recognizes the vehicle or has information on the shooting they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

According to the King County Sheriff’s Department, an 18 year-old man was shot in SeaTac last night around 11:30pm, and subsequently died at Burien’s Highline Medical Center.

The victim was riding in the back seat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him in the car. A second vehicle began following the victim’s car but turned off at South 140th; as it did, several rounds were fired and the male victim was hit.

The men drove straight to Highline Medical Center and the man collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The dead man is believed to be from California and was in the area visiting relatives.

All the people in the victim’s car were male and in their late teens or early 20s.

There is no description of the suspect vehicle, and no apparent motive for the shooting.

One year ago Wednesday (May 6th), Ben Laumea, a father of six, passed away from injuries he suffered after being shot in the head with an AK-47 at the then-MVP Sports Bar in Burien.

A BTB Reader emailed us, asking why flowers had been placed on the doorstep of the establishment, now called Twigg’s, so we went over and took these photos:

As you can see in the closeup photo, candles were lit in the shape of a heart on the porch, along with about eight flower bouquets.

The shooter, Bruce Sivao Matagi, remains in jail on a first-degree murder charge.

Also, here are some Comments left on The B-Town Blog about this tragic incident:

I DONT UNDERSTAND WHY PPL JUS WANT TO DO THINGS LIKE THAT. MY UNKO WAS A GREAT MAN WITH A BIG HEART…HE WAS THE BABYY IN THE FAMILY. AND TO THE GUY WHO SHOT MY UNKO YOU BETTER BE VERY THANKFUL THAT LAW ENFORcEMENT GOT YOU 1ST……MAY YOU REST IN LOVE UNKO BEN ALWAYS IN OURS HEARTS AND ON OUR MINDS. I LOVE YOU FOREVER UNTIL THAT DAY WE MEET AGAIN. IA MANUIA LOU MAGALA. I LOVE YOU UNKO B……………………..

i’m going to miss you unko B. You were everyones favorite and you will never be forgotten. To you monk i hope you get released early on good behavior. when you get out i’ll be waiting for your punk ass.

iiM MiiSSiiN yOOh LiiKe Crazy uNko beN yOoh Was LiiKe a father to everyone but yea who eva did that to yooh will pay the priCe but its all good your in a better plaCe now unko ben muCh love to yooh Rest in harmony…

Here’s a video we found of Laumea’s memorial service:

http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=35283795

Monday morning, the King County Sheriff’s Office announced that the driver of the Cadillac who was shot last Tuesday at South 188th and International Blvd. in SeaTac, died overnight at Harborview Hospital.

On Saturday night, the fourth and final suspect, 21, turned himself in. Previously the other three had been arrested.

Charges for all four are expected this week.

In the meantime, bail was set at $2 million each for First-Degree Murder.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE:

• Fourth, Final SeaTac Shooting Suspect Turns Self In
• Three Out Of Four SeaTac Shooters Arrested, One In Burien
• VIDEO: Security Cam Footage From SeaTac Shooting

The King County Sheriff’s Office announced Sunday that they have arrested the fourth and final suspect in last week’s brazen shooting in SeaTac, with all alleged shooters now in custody.

The 21 year-old Kent man showed up at the jail Saturday night (April 11th) accompanied by his lawyer.

The shooting that precipitated these arrests occurred about 4pm on Tuesday, April 7th when a 2000 Cadillac was ambushed as it waited at a red light at South 188th and International Blvd. At least 20 rounds were fired into the car from an AK-47-type rifle as the gunman stood near the sidewalk. The driver was critically injured and the front seat passenger sustained serious injuries from several gunshot wounds.

The driver remains at Harborview, clinging to life.

The first to be arrested was the getaway driver, age 20 from Seattle. He was hit by a pistol round-to-the-groin as the car left the scene. Detectives believe he was shot accidently by one of the other persons in the car. He was released from Harborview and booked into jail on April 9th.

Another suspect was arrested in Burien on April 10th. He is a 21 year-old SeaTac man.

A 21 year-old Seattle man was arrested in central Idaho, also on April 10th. He is awaiting extradition.

Charges for all four are expected next week. In the meantime, bail was set at $2,000,000 each for Attempted Murder.

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• Three Out Of Four SeaTac Shooters Arrested, One In Burien
• VIDEO: Security Cam Footage From SeaTac Shooting

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Friday that they have arrested three of the four persons they believe are responsible for a brazen, rush-hour shooting in SeaTac on Tuesday April 7th.

One suspect, age 21, was arrested Friday morning in Burien by detectives.

Two people were wounded in the shooting, one critically.

The driver of the getaway car, age 20, was arrested that day after he was dropped off at Riverton Hospital shortly after the incident. He had sustained a “very serious” gunshot wound to his groin area inflicted when one of his cohorts accidentally fired off a pistol he was holding.

The third suspect, 21, was detained in Idaho just before noon by local authorities. Sheriff’s detectives are currently in route to interview him.

Detectives are still investigating the case in hopes of positively identifying and locating the 4th suspect.

The shooting that precipitated these arrests occurred about 4pm on Tuesday, April 7th when a 2000 Cadillac was ambushed as it waited at a red light at South 188th and International Blvd in SeaTac. Numerous rounds were fired into the car from an AK-47-type rifle as the gunman stood near the sidewalk. The driver was critically injured and the front seat passenger sustained serious injuries from several gunshot wounds. Both remain at Harborview.

Three people were seen on this security video getting into the Taurus, driven by a fourth man, immediately after the shooting:

Charges for those arrested are expected next week.

The King County Sheriff’s Department released the above video Wednesday, which was taken from a security camera near the intersection of International Blvd. and South 188th Street in SeaTac, where a Tuesday shooting injured two, one critically.

Police are looking for help in identifying the suspects in the silver Ford Taurus, which can be seen about :20 seconds in.

Here are details directly from the Sheriff’s office:

The Sheriff’s Office is looking for any witnesses to yesterday’s shooting in SeaTac. Two men were wounded, one critically. In addition, a possible suspect was shot in the groin, and the circumstances surrounding that injury remain unclear.

A video is attached that shows the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The video starts just after about 20 rounds were fired from an AK-47 or similar rifle into a stopped car occupied by four people, include a 2 year-old boy.

About 8 seconds into the video the victim’s Cadillac can be seen trying to force its way through congested traffic after the shots were fired.

Then the suspect’s Ford Taurus comes into clear view as three suspects clamber back into the car and it flees northbound on International Blvd.

Detectives would like to speak with anyone who was stuck in traffic and may be able to identify the suspects.

Witnesses are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311.

The male suspect in a shooting death of a man outside a Boulevard Park apartment pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning, according to The Seattle Times.

The suspect, Cesar Trochez-Jimenez, 28, is accused of shooting and killing Mario Batiz-Castillo, 25, on July 7th.

He was arrested a few days later in Vancouver, B.C.

Batiz-Castillo was shot four times and died inside his SUV, which was parked at the Willow Terrace apartments in the 1100 block of South 99th Street in Boulevard Park.

Prosecutors say that the shooter believed the victim was having an affair with his girlfriend, which was the likely motive.

Read the full story here.

According to Memphis-based news website Commercial Appeal, police arrested Gary Lipsey, the suspect in the shooting death of Kevin Camacho, 24, at the Spruce Motel last Monday (March 16th).

Lipsey, 28, was arrested at around 11:15pm Friday night by officers who found him hiding in a closet in a home in North Memphis.

Lipsey is now being held and is awaiting extradition on murder charges in Camacho’s homicide.

An apparent gang-related drive-by shooting in Burien left one man injured Saturday night.

The incident happened around 8:15pm in the 13600 block of Ambaum Blvd. SW.

Medics treated one victim on the scene, who was moved to a hospital for treatment of minor wounds.

Police are looking for an older red four-door Honda sedan, which fled the scene. Eyewitnesses told deputies that gang symbols were flashed just before gunshots rang out.

If you have any information on this shooting, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311.

The Seattle P-I reports that Barry L. Saunders, the suspect in last Saturday’s deadly shooting at Southcenter Mall, was captured and arrested Wed. afternoon (Nov. 26th), apparently in Portland, Oregon.

Police say that Saunders is the gunman who shot 16-year-old Daiquan L. Jones to death on the first floor of the remodeled shopping center.

Jermaine D. McGowan, 16, was also shot. At last report, he was still in satisfactory condition at Harborview Medical Center.

Full story is here.

According to KOMO News, the public is being asked to help find the suspect in last weekend’s fatal shooting at Tukwila’s Southcenter Mall.

Mike Murphy of the Tukwila Police said an arrest warrant has been issued for Barry L. Sanders, 21, for the fatal shooting of a teenager as well as the wounding of another on Saturday Nov. 22nd.

Police say that Saunders may still be armed, and anyone who sees, knows him or knows where he is should call 911 immediately.

Tips may also be called in to Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.

As you’ve probably heard by now, a shooting inside Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter Mall on Saturday Nov. 22nd left one young man dead and another seriously injured, the gunman still at large, and the mall locked down for a while before being evacuated.

Police are still searching for the suspect.

We’ve managed to gather several videos related to the shooting:

KOMO News:

KIRO-TV:

KING-TV:

CELL PHONE VIDEO NEAR VICTIM:

TWO YOUNG WOMEN STUCK IN PARKING GARAGE TRAFFIC:

KID’S YOUTUBE COMMENTARY VIDEO:

A shooting inside Tukwila’s Westfield Southcenter Mall Saturday afternoon left one man dead and another seriously injured, the gunman still at large, and the mall locked down for a while before being evacuated.

We know you don’t read the B-Town Blog for this kind of news, but we had to post it anyways since Burien is less than five miles away.

Here are two videos related to the incident – the first taken on a cell phone by someone who walked up to and near the victim, and the second from two young women stuck in traffic trying to get to the mall:

For full coverage of this terrible incident, we recommend reading:

• KOMO News
• Seattle P-I
• KING-TV
• The Seattle Times

According to The Seattle Times, police have arrested two suspects in the shooting death of a 15-year old boy in Boulevard Park on Thursday, Oct. 30th.

The two teens, from Kent, include a 14-year-old believed to be the shooter and a 15-year-old alleged to be the driver.

Both are accused in the Oct. 30th shooting death of James Jametsky during a marijuana sale in an apartment building parking lot.

According to police, Jametsky was at a Boulevard Park apartment babysitting his 3-year-old nephew when he went outside to talk to someone in a car, who then shot him dead.

A Burien man was sentenced to more than 97 years in prison for shooting and killing his boss and two others more than five years ago.

Tony Smith, 29, was convicted of three counts of first degree murder for the shooting deaths of Francisco Santos-Rojas, 24, his 16-year-old nephew, Edgar Santos and Ruben Fuentes, 24.

The three were slain Jan. 3, 2003, in an SUV parked on the West Valley Highway in Kent.

SOURCE:

• The Seattle Times

The tavern formerly known as the MVP Sports Bar, located on Ambaum Blvd. and SW 128th, is now “Twigg’s,” complete with a new paint job and management.

It’s no secret that this building has had its share of troubles (a deadly shooting in May; and in its previous incarnation as the Flame Tavern, is where Ted Bundy met his only Burien-area victim, Brenda Ball).

However, we spoke with William, the new owner’s son, and he assured us they’re intent on cleaning it up. He mentioned an increase in security on weekends, along with new pool tables, TVs, event nights, renovations and more.

“We also haven’t had any problems in two months,” he remarked.

Let’s hope things continue to improve for this place.

For more information, visit the Twiggs MySpace page here.

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According to several news sources, a man was found shot to death in his car near SeaTac Airport early Monday morning.

The man, in his 30s, was found slumped over the wheel in a car near the intersection of International Blvd (aka Highway 99) and State Route 518 just after midnight.

The shooter remains at large.

Apaprently, SR-518 was closed down for a while as police dogs and a helicopter searched the area, causing backups for drivers headed to or from the area.

The name of the man who was killed has not been released.

Video of the story available here.

SOURCES:

• KOMO News
• Seattle P-I
• KIRO-TV
  

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Two men were seriously injured after being shot in the parking lot of Forest View Apartments Thursday night around 8:40pm.

According to King County Sgt. John Urquhart, three men were standing in the parking lot at SW 122nd Street and Ambaum Boulevard SW when a car drove by, shots were fired, and the car sped off.

Two of the three were shot before they could react, while one was able to avoid being hit. The two were taken an area hospital with serious injuries.

The victims’ names and condition are not known, the gunman remains on the loose, and a motive is not yet known.

If you know anything about this incident, please call the King County Sheriff’s office at (206) 296-3333.

SOURCE:

• KOMO News

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John Ogden, 20, was found guilty by a jury today in the murder-for-hire shooting of his stepfather, Ron Whitehead, 61, of Des Moines.

Ogden was just 16 at the time of the murder, which took place on March 18, 2005 at the intersection of SW 188th and 8th Ave SW near SeaTac Airport (map below).

Prosecutors claim that Odgen and his mother, Velma Ogden-Whitehead, hired one of his friends to kill his stepfather for inheritance and insurance.

One interesting aspect of this trial was that the car in which Whitehead was driving when he was shot and killed was actually re-constructed last Thursday inside the courtroom (story here).

Velma Ogden-Whitehead was sentenced June to 22 years in prison.

Ogden’s accomplice, Wilson Sayachack, accused of hiding in Whitehead’s trunk and pulling the trigger, is still awaiting trial.

Ogden faces more than 30 years in prison when he is sentenced.

SOURCE:

• KOMO News

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VANCOUVER, B.C. – The bad guy who fled after shooting a man dead in his SUV in Boulevard Park has been arrested in Vancouver, B.C, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office. 

A $2 milion dollar warrant, along with a rather odd psychedelic mugshot (see pic) was issued Wednesday for Cesar Trochez-Jimenez, 27, charging him with first-degree murder.

Vancouver police stopped him Wednesday night in a park and questioned him, prompting him to give the officers a fake name. Through further investigation, they discovered he was wanted in Seattle on a murder warrant, Urquhart said.

“One of their people put two and two together and knew we were looking for this guy,” sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said. “That was some good police work up there.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim, 25, was found Monday behind the wheel of a 2000 Ford Explorer in an apartment complex parking lot at 1100 99th St. S. He’d been shot multiple times.

Police tracked the suspect to Blaine. They knew he’d spent the night in a motel room but he fled before they could find him. Urquhart was uncertain how soon he would extradited to King County.

The shooting apparently was over a woman, Urquhart said.

“It’s a story as old as time,” he said.

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I

A $2 million warrant was issued Wednesday by King County Sheriff’s for Cesar Trochez-Jimenez (pictured at left in a weird quasi-psychedelic graphic – who makes these things?), a 27-year-old suspect in the fatal shooting of a man in Boulevard Park.

The victim, 25, was found Monday behind the wheel of an SUV in the parking lot of Willow Terrace Apartments, located at 1100 South 99th Street in Boulevard Park, around 10:35pm after a resident reported hearing gunshots. He’d been shot multiple times.

Investigators tracked the suspect to Bellingham and Blaine, near the Canadian border. But he has so far eluded authorities, who think he has returned to Seattle.

The 170-pound, 5-foot-7 suspect has black hair and brown eyes. He is considered armed and dangerous, sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff’s detectives immediately at 911 or (206) 296-3311.

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I

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BOULEVARD PARK – A man was found shot dead in Boulevard Park late Monday, slumped behind the wheel of an SUV, according to King County Sheriffs.

Deputies were called to the Willow Terrace Apartments, located at 1100 South 99th Street around 10:35pm after a resident reported hearing gunshots.

The deputies arrived to find a Ford Explorer with a dead man at the wheel in the parking lot, Sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said.

The man, believed to be in his 20s, was not a tenant of the apartment complex. He had been shot at least once, though multiple shots were fired.

There have been no arrests, Urquhart said.

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I
  

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TUKWILA – Two shootings in Tukwila within about a mile of each other over the weekend left one man dead.

An 18-year-old man was fatally shot Sunday morning on North I-5 near the Boeing Access Road, Tukwila police reported. The shooting occurred around 2:30am when the man was driving northbound with friends, who were not injured.

Tukwila police said it appears the driver was specifically targeted and was not the victim of a random shooting.

His friends rushed him to Harborview Medical Center, where he died, police spokesman Mike Murphy said. As of early Sunday morning, detectives did not have a description of the suspect or that person’s vehicle.

Earlier, on Saturday evening, Tukwila police learned of shots fired less than one mile away from the fatality in the 10700 block of Beacon Avenue South. While the shooter did not hit any of the intended victims, who are teenage men from Seattle, bullets did hit their car.

Police later found the suspect’s car and the Seattle police gang unit also investigated.

Tukwila police did not say whether the two shootings were related.

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I


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WHITE CENTER – A boy barely old enough to drive a car was sentenced to 19 years in prison Friday for the killing of White Center resident Craig Hoffman.

Jonathan Newman, 16, was the last of three teens to be sentenced for burglarizing and shooting the father of four, who was gunned down in the street near his house on 14th SW.

As the suspect who brought the gun and pulled the trigger that day, Newman was prosecuted as an adult, which resulted in the harshest punishment.

Both Newman’s and Hoffman’s relatives attended the emotional hearing at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent.

Newman pleaded guilty to a second-degree murder charge in April.

His two friends pleaded guilty to burglary charges and were each sentenced to two years in juvenile detention.

On Oct. 19, instead of going to school, the three teens were looking for a house to loot when they saw Hoffman drive away from his house, in the 11000 block of 14th Avenue Southwest, according to King County sheriff’s detectives.

They were ransacking the place when Hoffman unexpectedly returned, so they ran. Hoffman was chasing them when Newman turned and fired three times, striking the 46-year-old twice in the chest.

Investigators say Newman, then 15, laughed as Hoffman collapsed. He died almost instantly, his keys still dangling from the door of his home.

SOURCE:

• Seattle P-I

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