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 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 2010 6:54 am |
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Local News 
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Victim of alleged burglary now a suspect in killing Homeowner accused of killing alleged burglar ARLINGTON — On Monday, police considered Arlington homeowner Keira S. Earhart a burglary victim.Two days later, detectives arrested Earhart, 38, and put him behind bars. Earhart is suspected of killing the break-in suspect by shooting him in the back. “It's an unusual case,” Snohomish County sheriff's spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said. “We don't see cases where the original victim becomes the suspect and the alleged suspect becomes the victim.” Detectives do not have any information indicating Earhart was acting in self-defense, she said. The Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office identified the man who died as Ryan A. Rzechula, 25, of Stanwood. He died of a gunshot wound to the back. His death was ruled a homicide. A judge Thursday ordered Earhart held in the Snohomish County Jail on $1 million bail. Details of the investigation were released in an affidavit filed Thursday in Everett District Court. It all started Monday morning when Earhart called 911 to report a break in at his home in the 22800 block of 37th Avenue NE near Arlington, Hover said. According to the police affidavit, Earhart received an alert on his cell phone triggered by his house alarm. He rushed home, saw a man running out, and gave chase but lost him. He called police. Earhart told deputies that some of his wife's jewelry was missing and that someone tried to pry open his gun locker, the court document said. He also said he'd been burglarized before and was frustrated by the crimes. Sheriff's deputies searched the area and deployed a police dog but were unsuccessful in finding the burglar. A few hours later, Earhart again called 911. Deputies found him in a rural area not far from his home. He told deputies he was looking for the burglar, and spotted a man in a ditch who looked like him. Earhart told them he yelled at the man, who then ran off across the field. Deputies again were unable to find anyone matching the description, Hover said. A neighbor later told detectives she'd heard about three popping sounds that afternoon and saw a man standing near her home with a gun, the court document said. Another witness said he saw a man with a gun and heard him yell “Stop” at another man, who ran away. There were two gunshots, the witness told police. The man with the gun did not appear to be threatened by the fleeing man, the witness said. “Did you see that, that guy just tried robbing my house,” the man with the gun said, according to the court documents. The man with the gun said he fired warning shots at the burglar. On Wednesday morning, a neighbor called 911 to report finding a man's body in a creek bed, near where the shots were heard Monday. The body was found a short distance from Earhart's home. Rzechula has a criminal history that includes a felony conviction. He had jewelry in his pockets that matched what had been taken from Earhart's home. The police affidavit does not say whether any weapons were found on him. Rzechula called a friend Monday afternoon, saying he'd been caught stealing and was hiding from police, the court document said. The friend didn't hear from Rzechula again. Detectives on Monday called Earhart, who agreed to meet them. When Earhart arrived, he already knew police were investigating the body, the court document said. “He said he knew he was involved in our case,” a detective wrote in his report. “He requested an attorney.” Earhart has no criminal history in the state, according to court records. He has been a previous victim of burglary and theft, records showed. He also has a concealed-weapons permit and is the registered owner of a .22-caliber Ruger. Earhart resigned from a job with the Stillaguamish Tribe of Indians in September, the tribe’s acting executive director Eric White said. * Earhart was arrested late Wednesday and booked into the Snohomish County Jail for investigation of second-degree murder. Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com. *Correction, Nov. 20, 2009: This article originally misreported Earhart's employment status. |
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COMMENTS
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I am very disturbed by the retired police officer's comment. I just hope that his attitude is not a reflection of that of his brothers in uniform, or we are all doomed. If you carry a gun as your job to uphold the law, then I would hope that you respect the law which you are employed to uphold.
The comment made indicates that the law is not even understood by this man, who was a police officer for 27 years.
I agree that criminals should face consequences, but death for property, being shot in the back, unarmed, after being chased. . . yeah, hmm... tell you what officer let's just forget this pansy girly legal system and go Rambo on their a**es. Isn't that what you are thinking? That is truly frightening and disheartening.
connie tyrrell | Nov 23, 2009 7:56 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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One commenter on this story asks that the burglar, the home invader, be addressed by his name. Why? Out of respect? Out of courtesy?
It is discourteous not introduce yourself upon entering another person's residence. Did the burglar extend this courtesy to his victim? It is disrespectful to invade another person's residence. It is disrespectful to steal their belongings.
If you treat others with disrespect and discourtesy, what on earth would motivate them to treat you kindly?
Veritas Splendor | Nov 22, 2009 6:33 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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Reading what some people have written just breaks my heart. When people put material things above life itself, we are all doomed. When people support others who commit murder, we are all doomed. I see on here people who "Want" to be on the Jury and to let this man go and one of you is a law enforcement person. You are not law abiding citizens, and if you think you are you are so miss guided.
I have been robbed, more than once and if anyone can speak to this I can. My home has been robbed, my car has been stolen and I my self have been beaten and robbed by knife point. None, None of these times have I ever thought that taking a gun and catching the person and killing them would be the answer.
What I did was prayed to God and asked for my items to be returned, and you know what some of them were, the ones that mattered. My wallet less my cash, but my purse still had my prescription eye glasses and items that were irreplaceable. When my home was robbed, some of my coins were returned, but you know what, it did not matter. My sisters were visiting at the time and no one was hurt, we were all safe, the person only got in to the sun room and not into the house. When my car was stolen sadly everything was taken in it, but it did not matter, I was ok. I was not "Jacked" out of my car while in it, and I got another used car.
Ryan had drug addiction and as a recovering alcoholic I must say when you are under the influence you do things you would never do when you are clean. I talk with Ryan's dad all the time we are cousins and today his dad is out doing a job so he can pay for his son's funeral. You see his dad did everything he could to get him clean, but Ryan like so many others just could not do it. What is sad is so many of you who are throwing stones right now may have your own addictions and you don't even see it. I would suggest before you say anything about anyone else, you look at yourself, your family and realize that none of us are perfect and but for the grace of God go I.
So hug your children a little tighter tonight, help your friends who have problems with addiction, do that intervention like it or not. No life is worth losing like in the old Capra film, George Bailey had a purpose and so does everyone here now. Maybe Ryan's death can show all of us that even though someone is addicted they are worth more than being shot and left in a ditch to die.
Annette Prue | Nov 21, 2009 12:59 pm | 2 replies | Request removal
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If I understand, witness accounts were given to police long after (like the next day?) gunshots and shouting were heard. These people did not think they should notify the police right away? They didn't think maybe someone was hurt and needed help?
From what I understand from this news story it seems like the shooter was trying to mitigate the victim's death by leading police to the scene. Granted, not to the cost of implicating himself; but he did call the police and indicate that he had chased the man. I cannot tell from the story if he indicated the correct area to the police or if he tried to mislead them in that way as well.
I agree with the person who commented that the right to own a gun carries with it, as it should, the responsibility of understanding the law. Arrogance and ignorance and so many other social problems combined with gun ownership, time and time again, leads to tragedy.
connie tyrrell | Nov 23, 2009 7:31 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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its so very sad that a man is in jail on a 1 million $ bail away from his family all for doing the right thing witch is protecting him self and his property,he fired only one shot ,so what it was in the back at least he had a reason,,unlike the police officer that shot 10 times with a ( tight pattern of 7 rounds in the back neck & head)all from a distace of about 9 feet away ,and out walking around with a charge of manslaughter, it should be at least aggravated 2nd degree murder, that cop should be locked up with the key throne away, if that isnt out right brutal i dont know what is...
joseph mashburn | Nov 21, 2009 8:09 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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its so very sad that a man is in jail on a 1 million $ bail away from his family all for doing the right thing witch is protecting him self and his property,he fired only one shot ,so what it was in the back at least he had a reason,,unlike the police officer that shot 10 times with a ( tight pattern of 7 rounds in the back neck & head)all from a distace of about 9 feet away ,and out walking around with a charge of manslaughter, it should be at least aggravated 2nd degree murder, that cop should be locked up with the key throne away, if that isnt out right brutal i dont know what is...
joseph mashburn | Nov 21, 2009 8:08 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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when you or people want to comment on this or other similar article please refer to Ryan Rzulcha he was human and has a name that the killer will remember for the rest of his life, not as the burglar,or thief or what ever you want to call Ryan it is easier to condem the guilty when they dont have a name his name is Ryan Rzulcha pleases refer to him by his birth name not by any other adjective Thank you
Ronald Fox | Nov 21, 2009 2:30 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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home invasion is a violent act!
The constitution gives us the right to defend life & property. Jury's back that up!
I'm sorry, but ANYONE who commits a violent act deserves to be shot, stabbed, tasered, whatever, in order to stop that act.
Police do it all the time. Why can't we?
cme everett | Nov 21, 2009 4:03 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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I am as interested listening to all of the"arm-chair lawyers" that could beat the system as I am in the story.
The law allows defense of home while you and the bad guy are in the home. Read the law.
If you're going to legally carry a weapon, read the law. If you don't like the law, be an active citizen and work for change. Don't think for a minute that you can do things your way and the law will say, "Well, since it was you(the really smart guy), it's OK."
I am a gun owner and believe in our right to defense. But I am still bound by the law to do it their way. If you don't, you just gave fodder to all of the ant-gun lobbies and shows that, "Even legal owners are dangerous".
We have to live to a higher standard!
william monger | Nov 20, 2009 7:56 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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It is hard to say what would be going through your mind when you come home to have a stranger in your house. What a frightening thing that must have been. What would I do? I would have probably gave chase. This guy breaking into houses is a long time criminal. Was he on something? How many houses had he been to that day? I feel bad for his parents. I am sure this was not the first chapter they have had to deal with in this mans career of Drugs and Crime.
I feel bad that a life was lost but I have to side with the victim in this case. The man who has to live with this and had his and his families life turned upside down because some creep decided ruin his life for him. What is scary is that this could have been any of us. Get up go to work come home to this.
Bill Schuerman | Nov 20, 2009 1:39 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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This is for the comment titled: SHERIFF DOES A GREAT JOB---------------------------------------------------YOU HAVE THE DEVIL IN YOUR HEART. YOU NEED TO TALK WITH GOD AND ASK FOR FORGIVENESS FOR SAYING SOMETHING SOOOOOO INCREDIBLY EVIL!!!! TO SAY BASICALLY THAT YOU CAN'T WAIT TO KILL SOMEONE IS DISGUSTING AND SAD AND I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ARE PEOPLE LIKE YOU IN THE WORLD. OBVIOUSLY THE PEOPLE WHO BURGLARIZED YOUR HOUSE HAD NO INTENTIONS OF HURTING YOU, HENCE THE FACT THEY RAN AWAY, AND THERE WERE 3 OF THEM!!!!! AGAINST 1 OF YOU. MAYBE YOU SHOULD LOOK AT THE BIGGER PICTURE AND TRY TO HELP THEM. IF YOUR NOT PART OF THE SOLUTION, YOU ARE DEFINITELY PART OF THE PROBLEM!!! I FEAR FOR MY CHILDREN, NOT BECAUSE OF PEOPLE LIKE RYAN RZECHULA, BUT BECAUSE OF CRAZY, EVIL PEOPLE LIKE YOU!! I was very good friends with Ryan and he was one of the most wonderful people I knew. I always looked forward to seeing him because he was full of joy and always made me laugh. He had the BEST family who loved him soooooo much and I know the pain Keira Earhart caused by HUNTING RYAN DOWN AND SHOOTING HIM TO DEATH will last a lifetime. He was so good to my kids and I KNOW THAT HE WOULD NEVER HARM A FLY!! PERIOD!! He made a bad choice, but it was definitely not enough for someone to take his life. I SERIOUSLY CAN'T UNDERSTAND HOW PEOPLE CAN SIT HERE AND SAY HE DESERVED TO DIE FOR STEALING A COUPLE OF NECKLACES!!! I MEAN, RYAN WOULD NEVER, EVER THINK LIKE THAT, SO IN MY EYES, HE IS ALREADY A BETTER PERSON THAN YOU SICK PEOPLE. I know Ryan had a relationship with God and I know he is watching down on us. If only that selfish **** KEIRA EARHART could have just let the cops handle it instead of pulling that trigger, this INCREDIBLE, SMART AND LOVING young man could have done something amazing with his life. R.I.P RYAN RZECHULA. WE LOVE YOU AND WE WILL NEVER, EVER GO A DAY WITHOUT REMEMBERING YOU AND YOUR HUGE HEART!!!!! By: Amara
e.e. hines | Nov 20, 2009 8:17 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I had a couple of kids break into my house in the middle of the night. My dogs scared them off before I had a chance to get to the punks.
The sheriff response was outstanding! Three cars showed up along with a K9 unitl
What I hated the most was having to clean up all the fingerprint dust after the deputies left.
The very next week my neighbor and I caught three teenaged punks breaking into his home. Unfortunately they were outside when we caught up with them, otherwise, we would have defended ourselves with whatever means necessary.
I wonder if blood is easier to clean than fingerprint dust?
I would prefer not to find out but if some little turds ever break into my house again I just might have to try some Oxyclean or Spray and Wash on the curtains.
Bobby G | Nov 20, 2009 5:27 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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In response to the burglarly suspect Ryan Rzechula shot dead in the back, I have this to say. I knew Ryan Rzechula quite well as he was a good friend to my children. He was a respectful, kind & gentle soul. Very sweet to my grandchildren & helpful to everyone in my family. Ryan was a really good person with a really bad problem- addiction. Ryan struggled with his addiction for a long time, clean & sober, off & on. I know that Ryan would never steal a thing if it weren't for that terrible disease of addiction that causes people to behave in ways they never would, like stealing. I know DEFEINITELY that Ryan had no gun, was NOT confrontational & would NEVER pose a threat to ANYONE! He really was a mellow easy-going kid. That is the God's truth. Thinking of Ryan running away from the house, being hunted down like a animal and shot in the back by Keira Earnhart, the homeowner, then left to lay there & bleed to death makes me sick. Ryan's lifeless body was found 2 days later by a passerby quite a distance from the Earhart's house, all the while, the murderer Keira Earhart pretended to the police that he had no contact with the suspect Ryan. Earhart's neighbors expressed that Earhart was a crazed maniac running around the neighborhood with a loaded gun looking for the burgarlar.
It's a clear case for a vindictive pre-meditated murder.
May Ryan rest in peace with God, and may Earhart rot in hell for taking the life of a beautiful young man all for the cost of a couple lousy necklaces.
e.e. hines | Nov 20, 2009 7:45 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I thought that owning a gun guaranteed no body would rob your house....oh yeah homes with guns are more likely to be robbed that's the real truth, luckily he had a high tech home alarm or that robber could have gotten his guns from him (depending on what kind of gun safe he had) and used them against him or used them to commit some other crime. I wonder if the other home owners in the area keep their guns under lock and key like that guy, probably not. He may have been targeted because he had a gun, also he had a permit and didn't know that he can only shoot in self defense? Do they just give permits to any fool that wants one?
E C | Nov 20, 2009 1:07 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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Can you imagine that? Someone resisting? Someone getting put out that you entered their house and tried to rob them?
Is there a defense fund for the homeowner? I want to contribute.
Veritas Splendor | Nov 20, 2009 7:24 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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It wrenches my gut to read people's comments celebrating and congratulating a life lost. No human is perfect, in fact most are far from it, yet many feel entitled to judge others.
I know Ryan and his family. He was a son and a brother. A nephew and grandson. He was loved. Making poor choices requires accepting lawful consequences. There is nothing okay with shooting someone in the back.
Ask the gunman's wife if she would prefer her jewelery or her husband. Do you think she wants a material possesion over the companionship of her spouse? He now faces jail, leaving his family hurting and without him or his support.
Two wrongs don't make a right. A life lost devastates many-the family and friends of that human being. I personally lost my husband to an accident and have struggled with the loss. I watch my children ache for their Daddy,watch his family struggle without their son/brother/nephew. His friends hurting without their buddy.
I hope that homeowner is sentenced to jail. I hope he is able to feel remorse and learn how huge of a hole he has created by murdering Ryan Rzechula.
Any one of you could be in either sets of shoes from this story someday. Please don't pass judgement. Criminals are human too. They need love and respect and compassion to change. Killing someone because you're angry the police aren't helping you is wrong. Killing someone is wrong. Now the homeowner will be getting the police's attention, in an unfortunate way- as the criminal. No one wins here.
Stefanie Iblings | Nov 20, 2009 5:26 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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he would of been better off not to shoot the guy in the back. Then again, maybe the guy turned really fast and caught it. In the end i think the felon got what he deserved, besides with the budget crunch in the state it may be one less guy we have to take care of. If only the shooter gets off. Personally, I think they should give him a medal. "For doing the world good by getting rid of another scumbag."
mike kim | Nov 20, 2009 4:42 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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First things first: The real victims are not the burglar who was killed or the home owner who shot him, although they are both victims by their own poor judgement and actions. The real victims are the respective families of both parties.
Secondly. those idiots who seem to think that the police would be immediately cleared of any wrong doing and the only reason the shooter was arrested is because he was not a cop, are living in a fantasy world. If charges are brought a JURY will decide and not the prosecutor or the police.
Finely, a lot of folks seem to think that just because they have a CCW (weapon) permit they have a special right or knowledge when it comes to the use of force. The only requirement for a CCW permit is no disqualifying conviction and the licensing fee. No firearms training or legal knowledge is required by state law.
NOTE: I'm NOT saying that having a gun permit (I have one) makes you a gun happy nut, its the one who seem to think they have special knowledge by having a permit concern me.
Some of these fools even buy and carry badges similar to police badges, in wallets or on their belts, indicating they have CCW permits.
Now these folks are scary.
Earl McDonald | Nov 20, 2009 2:18 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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It is hard to say what would be going through your mind when you come home to have a stranger in your house. What a frightening thing that must have been. What would I do? I would have probably gave chase. This guy breaking into houses is a long time criminal. Was he on something? How many houses had he been to that day? I feel bad for his parents. I am sure this was not the first chapter they have had to deal with in this mans career of Drugs and Crime.
I feel bad that a life was lost but I have to side with the victim in this case. The man who has to live with this and had his and his families life turned upside down because some creep decided ruin his life for him. What is scary is that this could have been any of us. Get up go to work come home to this.
Bill Schuerman | Nov 20, 2009 1:39 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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It is hard to say what would be going through your mind when you come home to have a stranger in your house. What a frightening thing that must have been. What would I do? I would have probably gave chase. This guy breaking into houses is a long time criminal. Was he on something? How many houses had he been to that day? I feel bad for his parents. I am sure this was not the first chapter they have had to deal with in this mans career of Drugs and Crime.
I feel bad that a life was lost but I have to side with the victim in this case. The man who has to live with this and had his and his families life turned upside down because some creep decided ruin his life for him. What is scary is that this could have been any of us. Get up go to work come home to this.
Bill Schuerman | Nov 20, 2009 1:36 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Please pick me for the jury!!
Raymond Robinson | Nov 20, 2009 12:11 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Sometimes that is the only way to see justice.
That being said, to me this is a real "gray" area. My first response is that it is "good" that the homeowner shot the robber. And I've been told that if you shoot someone you had better be ready to kill them. So the fact that the robber is now dead is secondary.
What then occurred to me is that even though the guy was off the homeowner's property, and that I initially felt him justfied ... if we allow this type of thing there is absolutly NOTHING to stop an "unscrupulous" homeowner from shooting his otherwise innocent neighbor and then shoving a piece of the homeowner's property into the dead man's hand. No witnesses ... who's to say he did or did not steal the item?
At that, I am forced to conclude had he shot the robber on the homeowner's property ... done deal. Shot off the property, homeowner is (or at least SHOULD be) in REAL trouble.
Brad Ashforth | Nov 20, 2009 12:01 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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This is not intended to be a comment on the primary point of discussion here, but something that's not being discussed is how frustrated people get when law enforcement doesn't function as it is supposed to.
If you've ever been the victim of a property crime you can attest to the fact that police simply do NOT pursue it. If it's high profile or if the dollar amount is sufficient, you will get some action. But a solitary break-in won't even get a fingerprint team out to your house.
There are reasons for this, none of which have to do with our officers on the front lines. There aren't enough resources and not enough focus placed on these types of crimes by the top brass and politicians.
This rightfully enrages victims who feel like the system is protecting the bad guys...and it is.
Do you have any idea of how violated and unsafe you feel when someone breaks into your house, especially if you're in the house at the time? That bold invasion of your person and property creates an aura of terror for the victim and, without any help from the justice system, they feel they have no alternative but to defend themselves.
This guy had been victimized before. Nothing was done to find the bad guy. It's not a logical leap for him to think that the only way he can stop being a victim is to stop it himself.
A serious discussion needs to happen about the low priority crimes like this are given by our criminal justice system.
It's broken, people, and unless you're a victim yourself you won't realize it.
I had a friend tell me last week that she was standing in line with a young female victim of domestic violence. The court told the young lady to come back in the morning in a two-hour window because they only do restraining orders at certain times of day.
I did some investigating and found out this is because some judges in Snohomish County are ****** at not getting 100% of their budget requests and so are trying to blame politicians by making it hurt citizens in a very real and painful way.
This kind of childish nonsense is malpractice by our justice system. I daresay there are MANY in Snohomish County who would have done the same as this man from Arlington. His number will increase if our justice system continues to punish and isolate victims.
Chad Minnick | Nov 20, 2009 11:12 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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I understand you stating that point, but that is a point that people use all to often. The fact is that is wasn't my son or daughter. It's taking that stance that brings more of the liberal agenda. See first you personalize it in an attempt to make it an emotional issue. By doing so you get to absolve the fact that a already convicted felon commited another crime (his last thank god) and turn on the man who likely said to himself, I'm tired of being ripped off, that man has my belongings and there's a good chance when I call the police again he will already be gone. Maybe he should have just followed him until the three (police) could all intercept. But in doing that maybe the criminal has a weapon and decides he doesn't want to be caught and the whole story turns out differently.
Gary Beane | Nov 20, 2009 10:48 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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The homeowner CHASED DOWN the burglar and shot him in the back. Not on his property, but in a ditch elsewhere. It appears he made considerable effort to do this.
I'm as disgusted as anyone else over the problem of crime and the feeling of insecurity it gives most of us, but my question to all of you who thinks this shooting was justified is this: if the burglar were your son would you still be defending the shooter? As angry as I would be, I would never think it was okay to kill the guy. My property ain't worth killing some guy trying to take it.
That's the human element. The legal issue is that you are only entitled to defend yourself, family and property against the bad guy ON YOUR PROPERTY. And that's the one that counts.
All of you who defend the shooter are only giving ammunition to people trying to relieve you of your right to bear arms. Think about it.
Shelly Nehring | Nov 20, 2009 10:32 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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.
Here again we see a CLASSIC CASE of a home owner, renter, or whatever, protecting his property from someone who could care less about his victims property or the fact he might have a gun.
The Victim (the homeowner) did everything he was taught to do to protect his property. Why is he being arrested? The constitution gave him the right to protect his property, uhm, still does.
This is a classic example of how Prosecutors & Law enforcement... who use this same tactic all the time to shoot people, or justify a shooting as such, will PUNISH civilians who use this same tactic.
This is a case ANY LAWYER would beg to defend, as it is a definate WIN WIN WIN, with a lot of money for unlawful arrest sure to follow. No Jury will find this man guilty, yet Prosecutors will WASTE our tax dollars to say he is. Go figure?
HOWEVER... keep in mind... it is this IGNORANT attitude of Prosecutors & Police that people should not shoot people ---even if it is just, & they will go through ANY AND ALL legal means to teach the public a lesson by carrying on with these bogus cases, at tax payer expense, as a way to SCARE the rest of us from defending our porperty by LEGAL means.
Trust me, it IS perfectly legal to defend your property using lethal force. Unfortunately... only a Jury knows this, & the Herald, or the police force they suk up to, do not.
cme everett | Nov 20, 2009 1:49 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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As a 27-year retired veteran police officer, all I can say is 'Well Done Keira". I only wish I could be chosen for the Jury. No matter how the emasculated law reads, and yes RCW has been eviscerated by bleeding-hear attorneys, my finding would be a resounding NOT GUILTY. If criminal scum don't want to be shot and/or killed, they could and should stop committing crimes.
Michael Donnelly | Nov 20, 2009 9:44 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Well I would like to thank him for taking the peice of scum off the street. Looks like he won't be breaking into any more houses now does it? This is a cut and dry case where the criminal got caught (killed in this case) and the stolen property could be returned to it's rightful owner. Should be the end of the story right there, no waste of our tax payer money to try and prove the shooting was wrong. This is a nice clear cross section on how ridiculosly soft our country is becoming. We need more Sheriff Joe's around.
Gary Beane | Nov 20, 2009 8:08 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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Local Yokel, you took the words right out of many peoples mouths.
Jon Cannelo | Nov 20, 2009 8:51 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Im inclined to agree with Local. Why only manslaughter for a trained policeman, who is sitting at home. Murder and a million dollar bail? Heck CME if what you say is true, then you should pay for his lawyer. The guy was in the wrong...... its not murder. Double stadeard here for sure
Bill Proctor | Nov 20, 2009 7:38 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Funny how a cop can pump 8 rounds into the back of a guy sitting in a blocked-in car and it takes months to charge the cop with only manslaughter, and he is put on "paid administrative leave", while a homeowner who shoots a fleeing felon is immediatly charged with murder and jailed on a million dollars bail.
Local Yokel | Nov 20, 2009 7:21 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Double Standard
It is sad that a 25 year old repeat thief is dead, but if a Snohomish County deputy had been the one to look for the criminal and chase him and shoot him dead, there would be no arrest. The jury will have a tough job with the laws as they are now. It would be different in Texas, I think.
Bill Nath | Nov 20, 2009 5:27 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Did you read the story cme?
It is not a constitutional right to chase a burglar down and shoot him/her in the back. This guy was no longer on Earhearts property.
That's not self defense, that's taking the law into your own hands, to the extreme.
Scrappy Jr | Nov 20, 2009 2:23 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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