By SCOTT NORTH
Herald Writer
Another young man may soon be facing murder charges in connection with the shooting deaths of two Everett-area teens at a May 30 fistfight that turned into a gun battle.
Christopher W. Dinsmore, 20, was ordered jailed Friday in lieu of $100,000 bail during a brief hearing in Everett District Court.
Dinsmore, who had lived at the south Everett home where the shootings occurred, was arrested Thursday for investigation of two counts of second-degree murder. No charges have been filed.
Deputy prosecutor Ed Stemler told Judge Thomas Kelly investigators believe Dinsmore was armed with a rifle during the melee that ended in the deaths of Jason Thompson and Jesse Stoner, both 18.
The pair died when seven bullets hit the car they were riding in after a fistfight between Dennis J. Cramm, 17, and a 16-year-old south Snohomish County youth erupted in gunfire. The fight reportedly was watched by a few dozen young people and as many as 10 adults, including Cramm’s father.
Dinsmore did not fire the rifle, but he did point it at people, Stemler alleged Friday. Prosecutors say that constitutes riot, a felony described as being armed with a deadly weapon and acting with three or more people to unlawfully use and threaten force against another. Because two people died during that alleged crime, prosecutors have probable cause to believe Dinsmore is responsible for the deaths under a felony murder theory, Stemler said.
He asked that Dinsmore be jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail.
Defense attorney Mickey Krom called the bail request excessive, saying his client was "merely watching a fight," and if he did grab a weapon, he acted in self-defense.
"It is my contention that he didn’t commit riot. He clearly didn’t commit murder," Krom told the judge.
Dinsmore gave police a statement on the night of the shootings, describing his role as that of an observer. "I did not fire any gun at any time," he wrote.
Dinsmore’s arrest brings to five the number of people who have been jailed in connection with the case, and prosecutors on Friday said the investigation is continuing. The defendants so far include:
Dennis Cramm, who is charged with two counts of first-degree murder. Prosecutors allege he repeatedly fired an SKS semiautomatic rifle at a car carrying Stoner and Thompson. He’s pleaded innocent.
Dale B. Cramm, 44, Dennis Cramm’s father, who is charged with three drug-related felonies plus charges of tampering with witnesses and evidence. He has pleaded innocent to all the allegations. Prosecutors have repeatedly said they are investigating possible murder charges against the elder Cramm, whom they believe played a key role in setting the stage for the May 30 violence.
Anthony Bakari Louis Bovan, 21, was arrested last month for allegedly intimidating a witness to the shooting. He also is suspected of firing several shots that night, according to court papers.
John Michael Jauregui, 24, another former housemate of the Cramms, is charged with riot after witnesses reported he was carrying two handguns in the waistband of his pants while the younger Cramm fought.
Jauregui has been cooperating with investigators. Court papers show he has admitted firing one of the rifles the night Stoner and Thompson died, although he has denied shooting at the victims. Jauregui also has led investigators to the weapons believed used in the shootings, and has made statements blaming both Cramms and others for the violence May 30.
You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-3431or send e-mail to
north@heraldnet.com
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