By SCOTT NORTH
Herald Writer
A Kenmore man was charged Tuesday with second-degree murder in the shooting deaths of two Everett-area teens at a May 30 fistfight that turned into a gunbattle.
Christoffer William Dinsmore, 20, is responsible for the deaths of Jason Thompson and Jesse Stoner, both 18, because their deaths occurred while he was committing the crime of riot, a felony, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Ed Stemler alleged in Everett District Court.
Dinsmore, who had lived at the home south of Everett where the shootings occurred, was arrested Thursday and ordered jailed in lieu of $100,000 bail. The criminal complaint filed Tuesday does not contain details about his alleged misconduct.
In court Friday, Stemler told a judge that investigators believe Dinsmore was armed with a rifle during the melee that ended in the deaths. The prosecutor alleged Dinsmore did not fire the rifle, but he did point it at people. 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.
Stoner and Thompson 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.
Dennis Cramm 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 as it fled the melee. He has pleaded innocent.
Dale B. Cramm, 44, Dennis Cramm’s father, 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.
You can call Herald Writer Scott North at 425-339-3431or send e-mail to
north@heraldnet.com
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