MONROE — Their code of silence was as strong as the walls that kept them from freedom.
Inmates at the Washington State Reformatory saw what happened to Brian Anderson in the prison yard. They refused to talk about the 1999 brutal attack, at least not enough to help Monroe police and prison officials catch the killer.
Anderson, 31, is on the eight of diamonds in the state’s first deck of cold-case playing cards. Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives have handed out the cards to jail and prison inmates in hopes of turning up new leads in unsolved homicides and missing person cases.
Anderson is one of two prison inmates in the deck.
Violence landed Anderson behind bars in Monroe. He was serving a 41-year sentence for a vicious attack in 1996 in the Spokane Valley. He kidnapped a woman, raped her and tied her to a tree with wire.
Three years later someone pummeled Anderson in the prison’s big yard. The blow was fatal. Anderson collapsed in front of a guard and died a short time later.
His family deserves answers, Monroe police spokeswoman Debbie Willis said.
“Somebody did something to him that shouldn’t have been done,” she said. “I don’t know where that person is living. They could be living in our community. We can’t tolerate that type of violence.”
At the time, investigators believed Anderson was killed over drugs. He was dealing dope to other inmates. Authorities found marijuana hidden in the soles of his tennis shoes. Police believe another prisoner demanded drugs from Anderson. When Anderson refused, he was attacked.
At least two witnesses spoke to authorities. They were afraid to snitch. Both refused to sign a statement or testify in court. The investigation grew cold.
Now, police hope someone will have a change of heart, break their silence, and help bring a killer to justice.
Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.
About this series
Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives created the state’s first deck of cold-case playing cards. Each Sunday for a year, The Herald is publishing a story about a case featured on one of the cards. The 52 cards can be viewed at www.heraldnet.com.
Anyone with information about unsolved homicides or missing persons cases is asked to call 800-222-TIPS (8477). Up to a $1,000 reward is offered.
Tips also can be left on the sheriff’s tip line at 425-388-3845. Callers may remain anonymous, although tips have been more successful when callers speak with detectives, police said.
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