Left: Aaron McClure, before, and right, after being assaulted in the parking lot of the Burien Fred Meyer on Oct. 5th.

On Wednesday night, Oct. 5th around 9:45 p.m., Aaron McClure (pictured above), 34, was struck in the head by an unknown assailant in the parking lot of the Burien Fred Meyer and severely injured.

According to his parents:

“The result put Aaron in the hospital with a skull fracture, a severe concussion, a large gash across his nose and blood and air in his brain.

It will be a long, long time before Aaron is close to normal again.

Aaron does remember that there were other cars and people in the parking lot.”

The case is still under investigation.

“Please help stop the yellow bellied, beady eyed, slime sucking coward who did this to Aaron from hurting you or someone close to you,” the McClures added via email.

According to his Facebook Page, McClure is a 1996 graduate of Highline High School.

The McClures and the King County Sheriff’s Office are asking if anyone knows anything about this incident to please call the Major Crimes Unit at (206) 296-7530. Any information will be helpful and all is confidential.

Burien’s Hanna Rasmussen and friends will be selling concessions to raise money for injured Burien teen Whitney Sellers at this Friday’s final ‘Movies in the Park’ FREE showing of “Despicable Me” at Lake Burien Park, which begins at 8:30 p.m.

Hanna and friends will be there early selling popcorn, juice, water and movie treats, with all proceeds going to the Whitney Sellers Recovery Fund.

Whitney Sellers

Whitney, 13, was hit in a Burien crosswalk and severely injured Aug. 7th, and her family is in need of donations to cover medical expenses – read our previous coverage here.

Lake Burien School Park is located at SW 148th & 16th Ave SW, and the film is set to start around 8:30 p.m., so be sure to bring a blanket and cash for popcorn and goodies to help this young girl out.

For more information: www.BurienParks.net or 206-988-3700.

Here’s a trailer of “Despicable Me”:

Click here to view the embedded video.

Former Mayor Sally Nelson in a 2009 photo.

by Scott Schaefer

On Monday morning (July 11), we had a chance to speak with former Burien Mayor and founding councilmember Sally Nelson, one of two victims of a pit bull attack last Thursday (read our extensive previous coverage here) in the 15800 block of Maplewild SW.

Sally lives next door to the dogs’ owners, and she was bitten on the back of her right leg around 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 7th. She told us that she has “eight bite marks” on the back side of her leg, just behind the knee.

In our interview, Sally shares what it was like being attacked by “two terrifying dogs” she knew from next door, as well as how a cloth bag full of mail may have prevented more serious injuries.

While the future of the now-found second pit bull “Bella” (recovered Sunday night and now in quarantine – read our previous coverage here) hinges on whether or not Sally presses charges (she told us she’s not planning to), Sally said “I don’t want any more pit bulls in my neighborhood.”

Sally also shares her concerns about Burien’s new CARES Animal Control – specifically about their lack of response to numerous phone calls, as well as recordings saying their voice mailbox was full.

“A neighbor told me he tried to call animal control about the loose put bulls all morning (Thursday July 7),” she said. “And he couldn’t reach anyone.” Burien CARES “is not giving adequate animal control and safety to the public in Burien,” she added.

Below is a full transcript of our interview:

Q: Tell us in detail what happened?
A: I had been downtown (Seattle) on Thursday, and when I came home at about 12:45pm and as I drove down Maplewild I saw police in front of my house and across the street and I wondered what had happened. So I pulled into my garage, came out and a guy from across the street told me what was going on – that “a woman with a child in a stroller had been attacked by two pit bulls that live next door to you.” He and another neighbor had come out after hearing screaming, and had driven the dogs off and called 911. So I wondered where the dogs were. Burien Police Officer Galusha came over and gave me an update, and told me what was going on. I knew the dogs, they had escaped before and I thought of them as very frightening dogs. The front door of the dog owner’s house was open. So I then decided to walk back up to my house. There are steps and a very dense hedge on the north side. When I got up to that area on my walkway, I could see the dogs, so I started walking more quickly. They ran over at me like 100 miles per hour, barking and nipping at me and I was terrified and I screamed and they bit me on the leg. The officer came up and I got in the house and looked at my wounds and my leg, and shortly after that he shot and killed one dog. I heard just one shot. The whole thing was just awful and terrifying. And what’s interesting about what happened to me is that I had a cloth bag with my mail in it when I walked up to my house, and I dropped it when the dogs started attacking me. A detective found that bag with blood on it and teeth marks from the dogs. And that bag probably saved me from bigger wounds. So that turned out to be a safeguard from a more serious injury. Medics came and looked at my wound, wrapped it up and told me to get a tetanus shot from my doctor. My Doctor looked at it, told me to keep it clean, and it’s now black and blue but it’s healing. There are eight teeth marks on the back of my right leg behind my knee. I’m not sure which dog bit me, or if it was both – it was like it was all in slow motion, it was really terrifying – these dogs are big and powerful, like hunters.

Another neighbor called Animal Control and never got any response – he told me he called them five times, because these dogs had been out for a while by the time I got home.

Q: What was going through your mind when it happened?
A: It was like everything was in slow-motion – it was terrifying.

Q: Have you ever been bitten by a pit bull or other dog before?
A: Never, and I’m a dog lover. I’ve had dogs all my life.

Q: Were these dogs known to you?
A: They were known to me because they belong to my neighbors, and I can see the back door of the house that they rent. I had seen them before, pawing at the doors trying to get out. That’s when I first called, but I never got a call back. Renters have lived there since April or maybe longer. They have two little kids. They came over and apologized to me this weekend, and told me the pit bull was a rescue dog. I said “a pit bull that’s a rescue dog should be put down.”

Q: The future of the found pit bull hinges on whether you plan on pressing charges. Are you planning on doing that?
A: No, I am not going to press charges. But I’ll tell you, if I hadn’t had been carrying that cloth bag full of mail, I would definitely press charges. My leg is recovering fine so I’m not going to do anything.

But I’ll tell you this – I don’t want any more pit bulls in my neighborhood.

According to one of my neighbors, the dogs have escaped before by ripping the back door down. I wasn’t here at the time though so I’m not sure. I called the landlord and told him it was unacceptable to have dogs running in the neighborhood. He basically said “see ya, bye…we’ll take care of it.”

I would hope that the landlords would decide to have “no more animals in that house.” It makes me feel bad, because these were pets to their kids, but with the history of pit bulls being mistreated something should be done.

I don’t know if the city has a policy of putting animals down. And what’s their policy on animal control, what’s their policy? Who’s really manning the store? It’s got to be that someone’s answering the phones, because when citizens call and get a recording that the voice mailbox is full that’s unacceptable.

Q: What’s your stand on pit bulls – should they be banned in Burien?
I don’t know. From my own personal experience I’d say ‘Yes’ because you’re totally vulnerable, it’s terrifying to be attacked. But what we need is responsible pet owners. People should understand that their dog may be dangerous and they need to be educated about their dog’s potential viciousness.

Q: What are you thoughts on CARES, Burien’s new Animal Control Group?
A: I have concerns about their ability to be reached, as well as their ability to respond. A neighbor had trouble finding their phone number, and was told by someone to call Five Corners Veterinary Clinic. Five Corners then told her to call the new animal control; she called, left a message and never heard back from them. I called city hall about this and a woman there said that they were still “in training.” Then I heard someone else tried to call and got a “this mailbox is full” recording. This is not giving adequate animal control and safety to the public in Burien. The city opted out of King County Animal Control because of costs, and decided to create its own animal control unit. Far as I know, Burien was the only city that opted out of an opportunity to negotiate a new contract with the county like other cities did. Other cities made new deals with the county, but not Burien.

CARES, Burien’s new Animal Control, is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. They can be found online here, or reached via telephone here: (206) 81-CARES (206-812-2737).

And if you haven’t taken it yet, please vote in our Poll below (NOTE: this survey is our own; far as we know, the City of Burien is NOT considering banning pit bulls):

As Burien’s most popular (and now award-winning) daily news source, we’re proud to say that we were all over the scene during Wednesday’s shooting incident, with numerous updates ranging from Mark Neuman’s photos taken at both crime scenes, to his exclusive audio interview with An Banh, who runs an auto repair shop kitty-corner from where the shooting took place.

Here’s a brief recap of the news as we reported (read the entire post, with updates, original photos and audio interview here):

The female victim was shot while sitting in her car at the intersection of SW 136th and Ambaum Blvd. SW.

Seriously injured, she apparently managed to drive herself (NOTE: there is new, conflicting information as to whether she actually drove herself or not; there may have been another person in the car) to the recently re-opened 7-11/Shell gas station at SW 146th and First Ave South. Medics took her from there to Harborview Medical Center, where she was listed in serious condition.

Ambaum was closed off for a while between SW 142nd and SW 136th as police scoured the area searching for the shooter, according to Neuman. It re-opened in both directions as of 2:30 p.m. No word yet on an official description, or if the suspect has been found.

Mark Neuman spoke with Burien Police Sgt. Henry McLauchlan at the scene, who told him that the suspect, a male, fired into the woman’s car, then fled. Some people may have caught ‘fleeting glimpses’ of the man as he left, according to McLauchlan.

It appears also that this is not a random shooting event.

One interesting Comment was posted Thursday (June 2) from a BTB Reader who used the nickname “Beerun,” claiming to be related to the victim and saying that she’s in “good condition” – we thought this was worth sharing:

The young lady who was shot is family to me. While we are not close, I do care for her and about her. As far as I recollect, she is absolutely one of the sweetest ladies around and certainly did not deserve this. I had NO idea she was living in such a god awful area. I would NEVER allow my adult children to live in that area. I would do whatever I had to do to make sure they were not living around that element.

She is in good condition and will make it. She was extraordinarily lucky. This should be a wake up call for everyone.

I hope the police catch the man responsible soon. Had he had a larger caliber weapon, she would be dead and he would be facing murder charges. I bet if he do 2 years, the community should feel lucky. There seems to be no consequence for open firing on a vehicle, so why not? Good luck in court bastard!

As always, we encourage our Readers to Comment on stories, email us news and story tips, photos and more – and we thank everyone for helping us with this story!

The King County Sheriff’s Office is reporting that a man celebrating his 21st birthday was critically stabbed, and another man shot Tuesday night (May 24th) during a bar fight outside the Wah Long Sports Bar in Burien.

Both victims ended up at Harborview Medical Center.

The shooter is still at large.

The incident began about 12:20 a.m. at the Wah Long, located at 15220 Ambaum Blvd SW. Several patrons got into an argument inside the business, which escalated into a fistfight involving four people outside in the parking lot. At some point during the fight one participant was stabbed several times with a knife.

Next one of the persons involved in the fight ran over to a parked car, pulled out a handgun, and fired several shots. One of the people in the original fight was hit and he collapsed. The shooter, stabbing victim, and others piled into the car and the vehicle sped off.

Sheriff’s deputies and Burien Police arrived about 45 seconds after the 9-1-1 call, and Medics a short time later. Meanwhile, the getaway car dropped off the stabbing victim and his sister at Highline Medical Center and then left immediately. The victim was transferred to Harborview.

The injuries suffered by the shooting victim, a 33-year old Burien resident, are not believed to be life-threatening. However the injuries to the 21-year old stabbing victim are. He is from Burien also.

There have been no arrests.

The King County Sheriff’s Department announced Thursday (Dec. 23rd) that a skull found in an Auburn ravine on Tuesday (Dec. 21st) was positively identified as Rebecca “Becky” Marrero (pictured, left), very likely a victim of the so-called Green River Killer, Gary Ridgeway.

The remains were identified by Dr. Gary Bell, who performs forensic odontology for Medical Examiner’s Office and the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

Marrero was last seen on Dec. 3, 1982, when she left a motel room at S. 168th and Pacific Highway South in SeaTac. She was 20 years old at the time.

Marrero was reported missing to the Sheriff’s Office by her mother on July 20, 1984. Her disappearance was investigated by the Green River Task Force, and she was believed to be a Green River victim.

Ridgway was arrested on Nov. 30, 2001. Two years later he plead guilty to the murder of 48 women and was sentenced to 48 consecutive live terms. He was not charged in the Marrero case.

The remains of Marie Malvar were found on Sept. 28, 2003 in the same general area where Marrero was found. Malvar was last seen in 1983 at S. 216th and Pacific Highway South. Ridgway was convicted in the Malvar homicide.

Ridgway was questioned extensively in 2003 about Becky Marrero’s disappearance. However by policy, the Sheriff’s Office does not discuss what suspects say or don’t say during the investigation of open cases.

As we reported last week, on Tuesday night (Aug. 31st), area residents held an auction fundraiser party at The Mark Restaurant for Jeanette Cunningham, the victim of a pit bull attack in Burien in July.

Jeanette “lost” her smile when she was attacked by a pit bull while crossing a street. Her face was disfigured in the attack, with the majority of the damage done to her mouth and chin area, caused by the dog jumping up and biting her face. She has had surgery, but will be needing more, and this event was held to raise money to help defray her day-to-day needs.

We’re happy to report that the event raised over $5,500 for Jeanette.

According to The Mark’s Debra George:

• Over 120 people and businesses donated items.
• At least 250 people showed up at the event.
• One of the bigger raffle items was a private party for 15 at Howard and Marge in Olde Burien.
• Jeanette was present, and she went around to each table, handing out thank you cards to each attendee.

Jeanette needs her “smile back,” and we hope that this event helps her get it.

Way to go B-Town for helping a neighbor in need!

Burien residents rallied and rasied over $5,500 for pit bull attack victim Jeanette Cunningham.

by Scott Schaefer

“I just want to get my smile back…”

Those words came from the disfigured mouth of Burien resident Jeanette Cunningham, who we met at the Farmers Market on Thursday, Aug. 26th.

Jeanette “lost” her smile when she was attacked by a pit bull while crossing a Burien street on July 24th. Her face was disfigured in the attack, with the majority of the damage done to her mouth and chin area, caused by the dog jumping up and biting her face.

She has had surgery, but will be needing more.

Jeanette needs her “smile back,” because she works as a Server at a local hotel, and we all know how important smiles are in that industry.

Jeanette’s friends will be holding a Benefit Auction to help raise money for her day-to-day needs on Tuesday, Aug. 31st, from 7pm – 10pm at The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien.

They’re seeking help in two ways:

1. Donations for the auction. Any type or size of item would be very appreciated. Drop any item off at Mark Restaurant or call and they will come pick them up.
2. Guests for the auction. Show up Tuesday, Aug. 31st, starting at 7pm and bid on some really cool Auction Items. There will also be Drink Specials along with appetizers.

Here are the details:

WHAT: Benefit Auction for pit bull mauling victim Jeanette Cunningham.

WHEN: Tuesday, Aug. 31st from 7pm – 10pm.

WHERE: The Mark Restaurant, located at 918 SW 152nd in Olde Burien (206-241-MARK).

INFO: For more info on dog bite law in Washington State, click here to download a PDF doc called “When the Dog Bites” by Attorney Christopher M. Davis.

From an email:

Help us help our friend!

A wonderful friend to the Mark Restaurant and to many in the community, Jeanette Cunningham, was attacked by a pit bull in Burien on Saturday, July 24th.

The pit bull disfigured her face, with the majority of the damage to her mouth and chin area. She has had surgery, but will be needing more corrective surgery.

Her husband has been absolutely amazing. He has been by her side and taking wonderful care of her. Unfortunately, he has been laid off, and is just now going back to work part time.

Her friends and colleagues would like to put together a benefit auction to help raise money for her day-to-day needs.

Pit bull attack victim Jeanette Cunningham just wants her smile back.

At Monday night’s (May 3) meeting, the Burien City Council honored mentally-challenged hit-and-run victim Jeff Kearney, starting off the session with a reading of a proclamation in his honor.

Accompanied by Discover Burien Event Coordinator Debra George and Mike Lindorff, his legal guardian and uncle, Kearney stood in front of the council with the aide of a walker, and appeared excited about the ceremony.

After Mayor Joan McGilton read the proclamation aloud, Kearney not only received a standing ovation, he also got a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Here’s the proclamation:

PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON

A PROCLAMATION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, HONORING Jeff Kearney

WHEREAS, Jeff worked endlessly for Discover Burien keeping our city free of debris and trash.  He rounded up stray shopping carts and helped out at many community events including Clean Sweep, Father’s Day Car Show, 4th of July Parade, Boo in Burien, Oktoberfest, and Winterfest.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney volunteered his time for the City of Burien and Discover Burien Farmers Market setting up tables, helping vendors set up their booths and helping Debra George with additional tasks.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney would say “Can I have just one hug”……everyone who knows Jeff knows that all he wants at the end of the day is a hug from his friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney never forgot the name of anyone he met, nor the names of their husband, brother, sister, mother, children, pets or friends.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney is an ambassador of Burien and White Center.

WHEREAS, Jeff Kearney survived despite all odds.  The victim of a hit and run accident on November 17th, 2009, Jeff continues to fight to gain back the ability to walk, talk and live his life again.  For this Jeff, we wish you all the best in your continued recuperation.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURIEN, WASHINGTON, DOES HEREBY ASK ALL BURIEN CITIZENS TO JOIN TOGETHER TO HONOR Jeff Kearney

For his friendly face, endless amount of energy, can-do attitude and commitment to the City of Burien community; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Burien City Council urges all citizens and Business owners to join us in our expression of appreciation for his dedication and invaluable service to Burien’s Community.

Dated this 3rd day of May, 2010.

Mayor Joan McGilton

Deputy Mayor Rose Clark

Councilmember Brian Bennett

Councilmember Jack Block, Jr.

Councilmember Lucy Krakowiak

Councilmember Kathy Keene

Councilmember Gordon Shaw

City of Burien
Joan McGilton
Mayor

Here are photos from Monday night’s ceremony as taken by Scott Schaefer

With the aid of his "boss" Debra George and a walker, Jeff stood up in front of the council.

Jeff listens to Mayor McGilton read the proclamation as his Uncle Mike Lindorff, Debra George and Lucky Krakowiak look on.

After receiving a standing ovation from the crowd, Jeff also received a huge hug from councilmember Kathy Keene.

Jeff was all smiles after being honored by the city for which he has worked so hard.

Jeff was the victim of a hit-and-run in a White Center crosswalk at 16th SW and SW 106th in November. He went in to a temporary coma, suffering from brain trauma, multiple broken bones and other injuries. His recovery slowly continues over the months as he fights to re-learn to walk and perform basic daily functions.

Kearney has worked for years as part of Burien Team Clean Sweep, which is part of the nonprofit Discover Burien Association. A familiar face around Burien and White Center, he has volunteered untold hours at community events, ranging from the Father’s Day Car Show to Winterfest.

Kearney also helped out by regularly performing a variety of tasks at Burien’s Farmers Market, which opens its season this Thursday (May 6), and we here at The B-Town Blog look forward to seeing his smiling face there again!

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is still at large. Discover Burien is offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the responsible person. Anyone having information should contact the King County Sheriff’s Office at 206-296-3311 or 911.

The suspect vehicle had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

Read our previous coverage on Jeff’s story here.

by Scott Schaefer

We love to share good news here at The B-Town Blog, and that’s why we’re posting this update on Jeff Kearney, the mentally-challenged man who was the victim of a hit-and-run last November in White Center (read our previous coverage here).

Jeff was recently discharged from Burien Nursing and Rehab, where he had been staying for the last several weeks after spending time at both Harborview and Highline Medical Center.

He is now recuperating at his home, and Burien Rehab Director Nate Neff sent us this email update:

Scott –

I just wanted to give you a quick update.

Jeff Kearney went home yesterday.

He had been wanting to go home for several days and had been vocalizing it. He has made quite the journey from his tragic accident. While here his feeding tube was removed and he began eating on his own, his cognition cleared up and he was able to clearly speak his needs and wants. Also, his strength increased greatly and he became able to propel himself in his wheelchair. He is still planning on getting some more rehab at home but Jeff was ready to go home.

We wish him the best of luck and are grateful for the opportunity to care for him.

- Nate

Hit and run victim Jeff Kearney at the Mark Restaurant Feb. 12th.

On Friday (Feb. 12th), we caught up with Jeff in person at the Mark Restaurant and Bar, where we found him enjoying a Roy Rogers drink, courtesy his good friend and Discover Burien Events Supervisor Debra George.

Jeff sat at a table near the bar, with his protective helmet sitting in a chair nearby.

We spoke with him for a few moments, mostly small talk, and noticed that his old, familiar smile was still there. We asked him how he was feeling, what he was doing, and his face lit up on the occasions we mentioned various Burien-based women and the hugs he associates with them. While a bit slow to respond, Jeff seemed keenly intent on resuming his friendly relationships with many locals, and it was an uplifting experience to see, especially considering how terribly he was struck and injured (reports say the SUV/truck that hit him was going around 35mph).

Debra George reminded us though that he still needs help walking, but is getting stronger with each day.

This man has come a long way, but he still has a way to go, and we wish him the best. We have a feeling that by the time the Farmer’s Market opens again in May that he’ll be back to his old self.

Sadly, the hit-and-run driver is apparently still at large. A $1,000 reward remains in effect, and the investigation is continuing.

The suspect vehicle, which struck Jeff in a crosswalk on 16th SW and SW 106th in White Center, had damage to the left front fender, and lost its driver’s side exterior rear-view mirror at the scene. It is probably maroon in color, a Chevrolet or GMC product, and is likely one of the following models:

• GM or Chevrolet full size pick-up: 1988-1989
• Blazer or Jimmy: 1992-1994
• Suburban: 1992-1999
• GMC Yukon: 1992-1999
• Chevrolet Tahoe: 1995-1999

If you recognize the suspect vehicle or have any leads, please call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

And if you wish to visit Jeff or send him your wishes, feel free to contact Debra George at the Mark Restaurant at (206) 241-MARK.