Gregoire signs bill to close 3-strikes loophole

OLYMPIA, Wash. — A loophole in Washington’s three-strike law has been closed.

Gov. Chris Gregoire signed a bill sponsored by Sen. Don Benton, R-Vancouver, that makes crimes committed in other states count toward Washington’s three-strike law.

Under the three-strike law, a person who commits three of the most serious felonies and other crimes, such as rape, can be sentenced to life in prison.

Benton’s bill was brought forward after the case of 14-year-old Clark County girl was killed by a 45-year-old ex-convict, who committed crimes in Arizona.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Two Washington State ferries pass along the route between Mukilteo and Clinton as scuba divers swim near the shore Sunday, Oct. 22, 2023, in Mukilteo, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Ferry system increases ridership by a half million in 2024

Edmonds-Kingston route remains second-busiest route in the system.

Firefighters respond to a 911 call on July 16, 2024, in Mill Creek. Firefighters from South County Fire, Tulalip Bay Fire Department and Camano Island Fire and Rescue left Wednesday to help fight the LA fires. (Photo provided by South County Fire)
Help is on the way: Snohomish County firefighters en route to LA fires

The Los Angeles wildfires have caused at least 180,000 evacuations. The crews expect to arrive Friday.

x
Edmonds police shooting investigation includes possibility of gang violence

The 18-year-old victim remains in critical condition as of Friday morning.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River. Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett council approves water, sewer rate increases

The 43% rise in combined water and sewer rates will pay for large infrastructure projects.

Robin Cain with 50 of her marathon medals hanging on a display board she made with her father on Thursday, Jan. 2, 2025 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Running a marathon is hard. She ran one in every state.

Robin Cain, of Lake Stevens, is one of only a few thousand people to ever achieve the feat.

People line up to grab food at the Everett Recovery Cafe on Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Coffee, meals and compassion are free at the Everett Recovery Cafe

The free, membership-based day center offers free coffee and meals and more importantly, camaraderie and recovery support.

Devani Padron, left, Daisy Ramos perform during dance class at Mari's Place Monday afternoon in Everett on July 13, 2016. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
Mari’s Place helps children build confidence and design a better future

The Everett-based nonprofit offers free and low-cost classes in art, music, theater and dance for children ages 5 to 14.

The Everett Wastewater Treatment Plant along the Snohomish River on Thursday, June 16, 2022 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett water, sewer rates could jump 43% by 2028

The rate hikes would pay for improvements to the city’s sewer infrastructure.

Arlington
Troopers: 1 dead in I-5 collision near Arlington

An Arlington man, 18, was declared dead at the scene after colliding with a semi near milepost 212.

The bond funded new track and field at Northshore Middle School on Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024 in Bothell, Washington. (Courtesy of Northshore School District)
Northshore School District bond improvements underway

The $425 million bond is funding new track and field complexes, playgrounds and phase one of two school replacements.

Noah Jackson helps lead those marching in song and chants during the Greater Everett Area’s Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day march on Monday, Jan. 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
“Mission Possible”: Community gathers to honor MLK

About 300 people marched from Everett Memorial Stadium to Carl Gipson Center on Monday morning.

A fully intact exoskeleton of a crab can been seen on Mukilteo Beach on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2025 in Mukilteo, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Crabs at Mukilteo aren’t dead. They’re just molting

Washington Fish and Wildlife officials say crabs of certain size and sex tend to molt at the same time.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.