Man gets 17 years for drug killing

By SCOTT NORTH

Herald Writer

A Lynnwood man’s sentencing for manslaughter became an object lesson Monday in the danger and risks of illegal drugs.

Superior Court Judge Ronald Castleberry sentenced Carlos Robert Rivers, 30, to roughly 171/2 years in prison for the June 1999 shooting death of Jamie McMurray, 19.

Rivers admitted killing McMurray during a drug deal that somehow went terribly wrong. It ended with McMurray, a drug dealer, dead from two .38-caliber bullet wounds and Rivers nearly bleeding to death after much of his arm and shoulder were blown away by close-range shotgun blasts. The shotgun was fired by Sarah Hinckley, McMurray’s girlfriend.

Castleberry said the case offers a stark glimpse into the real world of trafficking in drugs.

"The lifestyle of drugs brings robbery, brings murder and brings death," he said.

Rivers’ sentencing brought a close to a case that had twice baffled Snohomish County jurors.

Prosecutors had charged Rivers with first-degree murder, alleging the gunplay erupted when Rivers tried to rob McMurray of drugs and money at the young man’s south Everett home.

The defense countered that Rivers hadn’t planned any misdeed and that he was the victim of heavily armed paranoia.

Jurors in December and April listened to two weeks of testimony in the case before deadlocking on the murder charge. In the first trial, the jury found Rivers guilty of a related, but separate assault charge involving the attack on McMurray. The assault count was included in Monday’s sentence.

The manslaughter plea agreement was struck in May as lawyers on both sides prepared to take the case to trial a third time. In the plea, Rivers acknowledged that he "recklessly caused" McMurray’s death.

Castleberry said he knew that emotions are still running high in the case, but he believed the plea was an appropriate resolution. His sentence for Rivers followed recommendations agreed to by both sides.

Hinckley told Rivers there were days she wished that she had killed him instead of causing gunshot wounds that have forever left Rivers unable to use his right arm and hand.

"I don’t think he has any idea of the damage that he’s done to so many people," she said.

Rivers’ stepfather, Roosevelt Bennett, said that while Rivers broke the law, many people contributed to a situation by mixing guns, drugs and greed.

"There’s a lot of wrong here," he said. "There’s a lot of pain here. There’s a lot of hurt that can never be healed."

Rivers told the judge that he had no violent intent when he went to McMurray’s home carrying a handgun loaded with just three bullets. He said he admired McMurray because he was "a good businessman, as far as dealing dope" and handling money.

Rivers also said he is remorseful and that he sometimes wakes up crying because of his actions.

"I hurt my family. I hurt their family," he said.

Rivers’ attorney, public defender Pete Mazzone, said his client is headed to prison for years and can expect to spend a lifetime imprisoned by the damage that night of gunfire caused to his body and soul.

But Rivers’ plight is nothing like McMurray’s, deputy prosecutor Ron Doersch said.

"There is no prison like the grave," he said.

You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-3431or send e-mail to

north@heraldnet.com.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Customers enter and exit the Costco on Dec. 2, 2022, in Lake Stevens. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Costco stores could be impacted by looming truck driver strike threat

Truck drivers who deliver groceries and produce to Costco warehouses… Continue reading

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.

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.

Ari Smith, 14, cheers in agreement with one of the speakers during Snohomish County Indivisible’s senator office rally at the Snohomish County Campus on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
More than 100 people gather in Everett to protest recent Trump actions

Protesters hoped to pressure lawmakers into delaying and disrupting action in the Senate.

Wade Erickson, maintenance with the Edmonds School District, passes by a school closure sign as he clears snow from the sidewalk in front of Edmonds-Woodway High School on Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Weather service: Everett and nearby cities should brace for dangerous cold

A cold weather advisory said overnight temperature could plunge as low as 15 degrees Thursday night.

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.