Sentence brings victims closure

Former Snohomish chiropractor Douglas Durwood Duncan, 53, was sentenced to eight years behind bars Thursday following his conviction in May of one count of second-degree rape for inappropriate touching of a female patient.

During his Snohomish County Superior Court trial, Duncan was acquitted of three separate charges of indecent liberties for similar touching. In a separate trial, he was acquitted of second-degree assault for pointing a shotgun in the direction of a cleaning woman.

The sex conviction will require him to register as a sex offender when he is released from prison.

In addition, the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission in Olympia has suspended his license and now is expected to begin proceedings to revoke it.

A spokeswoman said an order revoking Duncan’s license probably will be considered by the commission on Sept. 23

Defense attorney Lorne Grier told Judge Anita Farris that he had more than 50 letters from former patients, family members and friends supporting Duncan.

“Many people are completely satisfied with his chiropractic treatment,” Grier said.

Deputy prosecutor Matt Baldock recommended the eight-year term, just six months less than the top end of the sentencing range.

In addition to the women involved in the trial, Baldock said he has 10 witness statements from women who came forward following news accounts of the case. They alleged abuse by Duncan, some more than 20 years ago.

One of those women was in the courtroom for the sentencing.

She said she was 15 when she was abused by Duncan 23 years ago, and seeing the chiropractor sentenced gave her a sense of closure, she said. However, she added that the sentencing won’t restore what he took from her.

The woman and two others who were involved in the trial asked that their names not be used.

The woman Duncan raped said her experience taught her to take care of herself.

“I’ll never be a victim again,” she said.

All three women said they believe Duncan violated a trust when they went to him for treatment and he touched them inappropriately.

Although the sentence was set at eight years, that could be a minimum penalty under state law governing sex offenses. The state Indeterminant Sentencing Review Board can keep convicted sex offenders behind bars beyond their terms if they are deemed a danger to the community.

Reporter Jim Haley: 425-339-3447 or haley@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.

An American Robin picks a berry from a holly tree on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Calling all birders for the annual Great Backyard Bird Count

The Audubon Society will hold its 28th annual Great Backyard… Continue reading

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.

A view of one of the potential locations of the new Aquasox stadium on Monday, Feb. 26, 2024 in Everett, Washington. The site sits between Hewitt Avenue, Broadway, Pacific Avenue and the railroad. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Initial prep work for AquaSox stadium to start, with $200k price tag

The temporary agreement allows some surveying and design work as the city negotiates contracts with designers and builders.

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.

Aaron Kennedy / The Herald
The Joann Fabric and Crafts store at 7601 Evergreen Way, Everett, is one of three stores in Snohomish County that will close as part of the retailer’s larger plan to shutter more than half of its stores nationwide.
Joann store closure plan includes Everett, Arlington, Lynnwood locations

The retail giant filed a motion in court to close approximately 500 stores in the U.S.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood police: 1 suspect in custody, 1 at large after attempted carjacking

Beverly Elementary School went into a precautionary lockdown Thursday afternoon. Numerous officers continue to search for the second suspect.

Candidates announce campaigns for Everett city council seat

Ryan Crowther, founder of the Everett Music Initiative, will challenge incumbent Paula Rhyne for the District 2 seat.

Lynnwood City Council Vice President Julieta Crosby speaks during a Lynnwood City Council meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Lynnwood picks top eight candidates to replace former council VP

The City Council will make its final decision Feb. 20 after interview process.

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.