Seattle man sentenced for Everett home invasion robbery

EVERETT — Investigators might never know why a south Seattle man without any criminal history and a good job took part in a terrifying home invasion robbery in the Silver Lake area.

Two intruders forced their way into a woman’s house March 29. They kicked in locked bedroom and bathroom doors to get to the woman who was hiding in the bathtub. One man grabbed the woman’s phone from her. He also ripped a necklace off the woman. Detectives don’t know why the men picked that house.

Calvin Bennett, 27, worked at turning himself into authorities. He started calling sheriff’s deputies the day after the robbery. He later took a bus up to Snohomish County, flagged down a sheriff’s captain and admitted he was involved.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

The officer noted that Bennett had tears running down his cheeks as he sat on the curb, waiting for the captain to sort out which robbery Bennett was talking about.

“All he’s wanted to do is take responsibility and serve his punishment,” said Jon Scott, an attorney with the Snohomish County Public Defender Association.

Bennett was sentenced Thursday to 2½ years in prison. He pleaded guilty last month to second-degree robbery, first-degree burglary and attempted third-degree assault on a corrections officer.

Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Andrew Alsdorf said Bennett’s capture was unique and so was his refusal to name the second robber despite an offer that would have meant less time behind bars. The other man wore gloves and a mask. Bennett did nothing to conceal his identity.

The defendant offered no explanation Thursday. “I’m sorry for my actions. I ask for forgiveness,” Bennett said. “I’m ready to get this over with.”

He is focused on getting back to his young child, Bennett said. He told the judge he had been employed, working for the U.S. Postal Service in Tukwila. He seemed surprised when Alsdorf told the court the victim also was a postal worker.

“Oh gosh,” Bennett said.

Alsdorf pointed out that a video captured the suspects breaking into the bedroom. Bennett was seen carrying a pry bar. He yelled at the locked bathroom door, “Where’s it at?” The unknown suspect kicked open the bathroom door.

That man can be heard on the video, saying, “She’s in the shower.”

“Shortly after this comment the victim’s terrified screams can be heard on the video, as she pleaded with the burglars to leave her alone,” Alsdorf wrote in charging papers.

The unknown suspect ripped the phone from the woman’s hands and then grabbed the woman’s necklace. The men rummaged through her bedroom. Investigators believe they were looking for something specific. They left behind the victim’s wallet, iPad and surveillance camera.

They fled the house about three minutes after kicking in the front door.

Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Ellen Fair said she was puzzled why the men selected the victim’s house. Maybe it was the wrong house, she offered.

“What is clear is just how terrifying this must have been for the victim,” she said. “I certainly hope she is recovering from these events.”

Fair ordered Bennett never to have contact with the woman. She also agreed that Bennett deserved some leniency for pleading guilty quickly and for his lack of criminal history.

“Hopefully Mr. Bennett will be able to pick up the pieces of his life once he gets out of prison,” Fair said.

Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463; hefley@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

Cars drive along Cathcart Way next to the site of the proposed Eastview Village development that borders Little Cedars Elementary on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 in unincorporated Snohomish, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Former engineer: Snohomish County rushed plans for Eastview development

David Irwin cited red flags from the developers. After he resigned, the county approved the development that’s now stalled with an appeal

Outside of the Madrona School on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sewer district notifies Edmonds schools of intent to sue

The letter of intent alleges the school district has failed to address long-standing “water pollution issues” at Madrona K-8 School.

Everett
Man stabbed in face outside Everett IHOP, may lose eye

Police say the suspect fled in the victim’s car, leading officers on a 6-mile chase before his arrest.

A person walks up 20th Street Southeast to look at the damage that closed the road on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024 in Lake Stevens, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
WA delegation urges Trump to reconsider request for bomb cyclone aid

The Washington state congressional delegation urged President Donald Trump on… Continue reading

Aaron Weinstock uses an x-ray machine toy inside the Imagine Children Museum on Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Imagine Children’s Museum $250k grant reinstated following federal court order

The federal grant supports a program that brings free science lessons to children throughout rural Snohomish County.

Snohomish County 911 Executive Director Kurt Mills talks about the improvements made in the new call center space during a tour of the building on Tuesday, May 20, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New 911 center in Everett built to survive disaster

The $67.5 million facility brings all emergency staff under one roof with seismic upgrades, wellness features and space to expand.

Everett
Five arrested in connection with Everett toddler’s 2024 overdose death

More than a year after 13-month-old died, Everett police make arrests in overdose case.

Madison Family Shelter Family Support Specialist Dan Blizard talks about one of the pallet homes on Monday, May 19, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Madison Family Shelter reopens after hiatus

The Pallet shelter village, formerly Faith Family Village, provides housing for up to eight families for 90 days.

Help Washington manage European green crabs with citizen science events

Washington State University and Washington Sea Grant will hold a training at Willis Tucker Park on June 2.

Emilee Swenson pulls kids around in a wagon at HopeWorks' child care center Tomorrow’s Hope, a job training program for people interested in child care, on Tuesday, Sept. 7, 2021 in Everett, Washington. HopeWorks is one of the organizations reciving funding from the ARPA $4.3 million stipend. (Andy Bronson / The Herald)
Early learning group presents countywide survey findings

The survey highlighted the largest issues parents and providers are facing amid the county’s child care crisis.

Brian Murril, who started at Liberty Elementary as a kindergartner in 1963, looks for his yearbook photograph during an open house for the public to walk through the school before its closing on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Marysville, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Locals say goodbye to Marysville school after 74 years

Liberty Elementary is one of two schools the Marysville School District is closing later this year to save costs.

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray speaks at a round table discussion with multiple Snohomish County agencies about the Trump administrator restricting homelessness assistance funding on Thursday, May 29, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Sen. Murray hears from county homelessness assistance providers

In early May, Snohomish County sued the Trump administration for putting unlawful conditions on $16.7M in grant funding.

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.