King County Sheriff’s detectives announced Friday (Aug. 27) that they are seeking the public’s help in solving a 2001 White Center homicide that occurred on Aug. 28, 2001, exactly nine years ago Saturday.

Specifically, they at least hope to find the White Center house where the suspect took the victim and her sister prior to fatally shooting one of them on a street corner.

Case History: Crystal Vaughn (age 29 at the time) and her sister Misty were drinking beer at a bus stop in White Center when they were contacted by the suspect. They went back to the suspect’s house for a drink. An argument ensued and the sisters were driven back to the area of SW 101st and 15th Ave SW.

The argument continued between the suspect and Crystal. The sisters were out of the man’s car and walking away when he pulled up next to them and shot Crystal three times. She died at the scene.

Suspect’s Residence: The house was about a mile or so away from where the women were first approached, generally in the area of the 3700 block of SW 106th, unincorporated King County in the White Center neighborhood.

The women were asked to remove their shoes when they came in. The man said his “niece was sleeping” and to they had to be quiet. The interior of the house was neat and tidy, and there were children’s toys in the house.

There was a large stereo and a CD collection, as well as a free standing stove or fireplace in the living room. The women were served brandy to drink.

Suspect Description: A black male about 27 to 35 years old. He was “big” and 6’ to 6” 3” tall. He smoked Marlboro Red cigarettes.

Vehicle Description: A black or possible dark green SUV, similar to a Chev Tahoe. There was a dolphin display on the stereo face. The front seat might have been a “bench seat” and the seats were possibly leather.

The public can also view other drawings on KCSO’s website beginning this afternoon.

Anyone with information, especially on the house, is asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

The King County Sheriff’s Department says that an early-morning crash in White Center took the life of a 23 year-old Des Moines man, who was killed when his car left the roadway and struck a tree.

He died shortly after he was taken to Harborview Medical Center.

The incident happened about 1:15am Thursday morning (June 10), and witnesses reported seeing the man leave the Mt. View Elementary School parking lot at a high rate of speed. The school is located in White Center at SW 108th and 12th Ave SW.

When the vehicle got to the 800 block of SW 108th it crossed over into the westbound lane, where it struck a raised curb and a large tree. The collision caused massive damage to the left front of the car, a 1995 Ford Explorer.

No other vehicles were involved in the collision, and the man’s identity has not yet been released.

Detectives believe alcohol was a contributing factor.

The King County Sheriff’s Department says that a shooting early Saturday morning (May 15) about 2:30am left a man dead in a White Center street.

The male victim was found in the eastbound lanes of the 1500 block of SW Roxbury Street. He was dead when police arrived after receiving a 9-1-1 call about a shooting. He was shot at least once, and in his early 20s.

According to a witness who was driving by and heard several gunshots, the man stumbled out of an alley and collapsed in the street. There were numerous people in the alley, but most were gone when Sheriff’s deputies arrived, just minutes later.

No one has come forward who actually witnessed the shooting.

If anyone has information about this incident, they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 9-1-1.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: From our sister site The B-Town Blog comes this news of a tragedy affecting the Manager of Mick Kelly's Irish Pub in Burien:]

Story & Photos by Scott Schaefer

When a spouse dies, the surviving partner is called a “widow” or “widower.”

But what can one possibly call a parent whose young child dies a terrible, tragic death?

The grief one must feel when ones’ own child dies tragically is so incredibly severe there really can be no name for it, so we’ll just leave it as that – unnameable.

Such is the case with Dermot Owens, longtime Manager and bartender at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub in Burien. His grief is most certainly unnameable now, as he lost his five-year old son Shea in a tragic accident when he was run over by Dermot’s SUV at their home in Newcastle last Friday (April 16).

“What a great Father he was,” said Mick Purdy, co-owner of Mick Kelly’s, and Dermot’s boss. “We all saw Shea grow up right here, running around the place. To have this tragedy happen is just unbelievable. We’re all in a state of shock…”

UPDATE: There will be a benefit concert for Dermot at Mick Kelly’s on Thursday, May 6th starting at 6:00pm, with live music and a raffle to raise money so Dermot can take time to be with his friends and family.

The Burien branch of Key Bank (655 Southwest 152nd Street • 206-241-9348) has set up an account called “The Little Shea Memorial Fund” where people can donate to help fund Shea’s funeral, which will be held this Thursday (April 22) at 11am at St. Mary’s Church (611 20th Avenue South, Seattle), with a wake afterwards at the Glen Acres Golf Course (call Mick Kelly’s for more details: 206-246-2473).

Also, here are other ways to help Dermot and his family out:

• Donate using PayPal: Click on “Send Money” and insert this email address: inmemoryofsheaconorowens@gmail.com

To make a cash or check donation, you may do so in person at:

• Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub & Restaurant in Burien
• Mick Kelly’s at Full Throttle Bar & Grill in Renton
• A Terrible Beauty Irish Pub in Renton
• The Celtic Swell Pub & Restaurant on Alki in West Seattle

Donations will be used to pay for Shea’s service as well as for the Father’s time off from work. You can donate at any Key Bank location.

Here’s a Photo Slideshow of the memorial by Scott Schaefer (be sure your speakers are turned on):

Click to Play Scott Schaefer’s SoundSlideshow

UPDATE Thursday 2/4/10: We just received word from Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department that the driver of the smashed-up Kia (pictured, left) involved in Wednesday’s 3-car crash at the intersection of First Ave South and SW 112th has died at Harborview Medical Center.

He was a 49 year-old Burien man, and his identity has not yet been released by the Medical Examiner’s Office.

Click here to read our previous coverage, including photos shot at the scene.

The family of Mark Ebinger (pictured, left), 25, who was stabbed to death outside Good Time Ernie’s in Burien last November, has increased the reward offered to $10,000 in hopes of generating tips that will lead to an arrest.

Mark and his brother Peter, 24, were attacked outside the Burien bar on the morning of November 12, 2009. Mark died from stab wounds at the scene. Peter was stabbed numerous times, but survived.

Detectives believe there were several witnesses to the attack, and these witnesses might have information that could solve the case.

The homicide occurred outside Good Time Ernie’s Pub, located at 15747 Ambaum Blvd SW in Burien.

As our sister website The B-Town Blog reported on Dec. 28, 2009:

Peter recalled the attack, saying that a “few words were spoken to someone who was with us in the bar, and I told Mark we should leave…and as we left a group of guys came out the other door, a bottle was thrown at us, then they came at us with knives.”

“I was just scared, and was trying to get away,” Peter said. He also added that Mark was “kind of far away” from him in the parking lot at the time of the attack.

The Ebinger Family at the Dec. 28th press conference.

Peter also added that “someone else had words with one of the guys in the other group…” and he had no idea what was said, but is certain that the attacker(s) were in that group.

Once outside, “one guy came up in my face and tried to take a swing at me and another guy hit me from behind,” Peter continued. “I got stabbed probably six or seven times in the back…”

Peter said he’s “not planning on going back” to Goodtime Ernie’s anytime soon, “and no one I know is going back…”

Despite numerous rumors, there is no definite word on whether the attackers are part of a gang.

Mark Ebinger's brother Peter was also stabbed, but survived.

“We’re all very upset and angry, and well, you can imagine…”

Mark worked at a printing press and mostly did manual labor.

Regarding Mark’s death, Peter said: “It happened real fast and he didn’t feel much pain…”

The investigation is still ongoing.

“We know that someone out there knows something, saw something, or has heard something,” said Jim Laing. “…and that information might seem insignificant to them but it could be the information that cracks this case and we’re appealing to anyone who has any information to come forward.”

Laing continued: “No homicide case is ever closed until it’s closed, and this will remain open until it’s solved.”

On The B-Town Blog’s original Nov. 12th report, there are now 105 Comments, which make for some very interesting reading – see it here – many comments are in scolding tones to those who were there that night but have refused to come forward to identify the suspect(s). Perhaps this higher reward will change that?

Crimestoppers is also offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information on the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours), or 9-1-1.

This week marks the fourth anniversary of the death of Nicole Pietz, who was last seen at her Lynnwood home by her husband on January 27, 2006.

The body of Pietz, 32, was found strangled Feb. 6, 2006, in a wooded area near South 114th and Des Moines Memorial Drive in Burien (see map below).

Her car, a 2003 Jetta was found in the University District about two weeks later.

After four years, this case remains unsolved, according to Sgt. John Urquhart of the King County Sheriff’s Department.

The reward for information on the case that leads to an arrest or conviction is at $36,000. In addition, Gail Schneider, Nicole’s mother, has said the family will pay the legal costs for anyone who comes forward with information germane to the case, but wishes to use the services of an attorney.

The case is active and still under investigation by the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit.

Here are some photos provided by the family of Nicole:

Pietz’ body was found nearby in a wooded area near South 114th and Des Moines Memorial Drive:

View Larger Map

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hrs).

A memorial will be held Wednesday night, Jan. 27th at Mick Kelly’s Irish Pub (located at 435 SW 152nd Street in Burien) for Cherisse Luxa, 62, founder of Burien’s “Drinking Liberally” group and community activist, who passed away from stomach cancer in December.

The memorial begins at 7pm on Jan. 27th, and attendees are invited to bring photos and/or stories to share about her.

Known as one of the area’s most spirited Democrats, Cherisse was a well-respected organizer who had a hand in many local causes, including the attempted 2007 save of Burien’s Lora Lake Apartments.

Also, if you know of a home for Cherisse’s much-loved cats Howard and Harris (who are four years old and prefer to be adopted together), please contact Liz Giba at 206-605-3824 as soon as possible.

Here’s a flier with more info:

Robin Hoof, longtime swim coach and teacher for the Highline School District (including at Evergreen High School), lost her battle against cancer and passed away Oct. 22nd.

A Memorial Service is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 8th at 1pm at the Highline Performing Arts Center, located next to Highline High School in Burien.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Highline Schools Foundation for Excellence or the “Pay for Play” sports program in memory of Robin.

Her mother has asked that people wear purple to the service, since that was Robin’s favorite color.

Donations can be sent to:

Highline Schools Foundation
245 Southwest 152nd Street, Suite D.
Burien, WA 98166
206-248-5196

Robin Hoof was a teacher and swim coach with the Highline School District for 20 years. At Evergreen High School she taught French, and also served as swim coach for the boys and girls teams at Highline High School.

Previously, our sister site The B-Town Blog reported on a fundraiser car wash held by Advertiser Vision Collision in early October.

There is also a Facebook page called “Hope For Robin,” set up in Robin’s honor.

North Highline Fire District Commissioner Barb Peters passed away Oct. 25th after a brave battle with cancer. Barb served as a fire commissioner for over five years, and during that time made a positive difference not only at the North Highline Fire District but in the entire community.

A memorial for her will be held at 1:30pm on Monday, Nov. 2nd at Riverton Crest Cemetery (3400 S.140th in Tukwila) with a reception following at Rainier Golf and Country Club (11133 Des Moines Memorial Drive).

Some of Commissioner Peters’ passions were the yearly Boulevard Park Bike Rodeo (aimed at keeping the children of our community safer), National Night out Against Crime (she coordinated the block watch program), and the annual Christmas Outreach Program (she donated both her time and gifts).

She also volunteered her time on many community committees, serving on the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council for many years.

Commissioner Peters also made a tremendous difference with code enforcement actions and volunteered at the Boulevard Park King County Sheriff’s store front.

Although Barb has left us, the impact she made on the entire community will live on forever, and she will be missed by many.

Here’s her official obituary:

Barbara Jean PETERS Passed away from cancer at home surrounded by her family on October 25th, 2009. Barbara was born in Seattle, Washington on April 1, 1937 to Henry and Florence Colella and grew up with her younger sister, Janice. When she was eleven years old, Barbara started working at Pike Place Market to help her grandparents, Emilio and Angelina Galliano, sell their produce. Barbara graduated from Cleveland High School in 1955 and worked for Western Electric Phone Company until she married William Peters on November 22, 1957. Barbara stayed home to care for their three daughters and she was always involved in the girls’ school and church activities. She was known as an excellent cook, organizer and adviser. Once the girls were grown, Barbara became involved in community activities: volunteering with the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle, a15 year volunteer with the King County Sheriff’s Department, serving on the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council, and serving as a Fire Commissioner for the North Highline Fire District. Without a doubt though, Barb was most proud of her two grandchildren and she cherished the time she spent with both of them.

She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years, Bill; her sister Janice; daughter Valerie (Jim) and granddaughter Victoria; daughter Cynthia; daughter Natalie (Jack) and grandson Jack. Everyone who knew Barbara was touched by her generosity, determination and her ability to speak her mind and get things done. Her dedication to children was endless and her accomplishments are too numerous to list and too far reaching to know. Barbara will be greatly missed by her family, friends, neighbors and the community she tirelessly supported. We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the doctors, nurses and staff at Virginia Mason and everyone at Highline Home Care Services and Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent in Barbara’s name to: North Highline Fire District Aid Car Fund, 1243 Southwest 112th Street, Seattle, WA 98146. In her memory, Barbara asked to please spend time with a child that is close to you. That time spent and your love for that child will be with Barbara forever.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM on Monday, November 2nd at Riverton Crest Cemetery, 3400 S.140th, Tukwila 98168 with a reception following at Rainier Golf and Country Club, 11133 Des Moines Memorial Dr. S., Seattle 98168.

The King County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s help in finding a white, 1990s-model 4-door BMW 5 Series car (see included reference photos of a similar vehicle) driven by the suspects in a shooting that left an 18 year-old man dead on Wednesday night.

As our sister site The B-Town Blog reported, the incident occurred about 11:30pm on Wednesday, June 24th. The victim was in the back seat of a car that was southbound on Military Road South. Four friends were with him in the car. A second vehicle began following the victim’s car but turned off at South 140th. As it did, several rounds were fired and the man was hit.

The men drove straight to Highline Medical Center in Burien, and the victim collapsed in the entrance to the Emergency Room. He was pronounced dead shortly thereafter.

The dead man is believed to be from California and was in the area visiting relatives.

If anyone recognizes the vehicle or has information on the shooting they are asked to call the King County Sheriff’s Office at (206) 296-3311 (24 hours) or 911.

The male suspect in a shooting last July of a man outside a Boulevard Park apartment pleaded not guilty Wednesday morning, according to The Seattle Times.

The suspect, Cesar Trochez-Jimenez, 28, is accused of shooting Mario Batiz-Castillo, 25, on July 7th.

He was arrested a few days later in Vancouver, B.C.

Batiz-Castillo was shot four times and died inside his SUV, which was parked at the Willow Terrace apartments in the 1100 block of South 99th Street in Boulevard Park.

Prosecutors say that the shooter believed the victim was having an affair with his girlfriend, which was the likely motive.

Read the full story here.

The photo above is of deceased area resident Charles “UpChuck” Moore, who was tragically murdered by his stepson in 2005. The second-annual Benefit for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims will be held this Saturday, Feb. 21st at The Barrel Tavern, located at 11051 First Ave South (map below).

Also known as “UpChuck,” he was a regular patron of The Barrel and a resident of the Top Hat neighborhood, and his picture hangs on the wall of the tavern. He is missed by all who knew and loved him.

Here’s the original (and gruesome) news story as printed in The Seattle P-I on 1/28/05:

BOULEVARD PARK — King County sheriff’s detectives believe a man who survived a stabbing acted in self-defense when he killed his half-brother.

Jason Moore, 24, was found bleeding from stab wounds outside his Boulevard Park home late Jan. 20. Inside were his father, Charles Moore, 48, and his half-brother, William Moore, 29, both dead from stab wounds.

Sheriff’s Sgt. John Urquhart said it appears that William Moore attacked his sleeping stepfather by hitting him in the head with a heavy object and stabbing him repeatedly in the neck. When Jason Moore went to investigate, his older brother stabbed him, Urquhart said. The fight moved through the house, and the younger brother managed to grab a kitchen knife and fatally stab his older brother.

The memorial event starts at 2pm at the Auburn Eagles Hall, with a ride through the Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, ending up at The Barrel for a buffet dinner, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, live music and raffles.

Here are the details:

WHAT: The Apple Dumpling Gang Motorcycle Club ADG and The Barrel Tavern present the 2nd Annual Charles Moore Benefit for Families and Friends of Violent Crimes Victims

WHEN: Saturday, February 21st, starting at 2pm at the Auburn Eagles Hall

WHERE:

• 2 p.m. Meet & leave from Auburn Eagles, located at 702 M Ste SE, Auburn, WA (253-833-2298)
• Ride through Tahoma National Cemetery, located at 18600 SE 240th St, Kent, Wa 98042
• Ending at: The Barrel, located at 11051 1st Ave S. Seattle, (206-244-7390)

INFO: Buffet dinner, door prizes, 50/50 drawing, live music and raffles.

Grand Prize will be a 3-day, 2-night stay, including airfare to Reno with accomodations at the Silver Legacy Hotel & Casino.

Here’s the poster:

View Larger Map

The opening of Sea-Tac’s third runway has inspired a lot of discussion, both good and bad, and our sister site The B-Town Blog is commemorating something that happened on the original runway 61 years ago today (Nov. 30, 1947) – a tragic airplane crash that killed nine and injured 17.

Read the full story here.

Richard “Dick” Dennis Dahlgard passed away Wednesday, November 5th, 2008 in his home in Burien, WA.

He was 73.

Dick was born in Pierre, SD, the first son of Dennis and Hazel, the oldest of four. They moved to Seattle in 1942 where Dick attended Sunnydale Elementary and Highline High School and graduated in 1954. Following high school he went to work for Tall’s Camera and the Washington State Patrol. In 1958, Dick joined the Army as a cryptographer where he served in Hawaii and the Pentagon.

Following his military service he moved to Seattle and worked for Tall’s Camera. In 1969 he opened Dick’s Camera and Sound which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2006.

He is well known among the community for donating his time and talents as a photographer. He was an avid philanthropist and over the years dedicated his time to the Highline Historical Society, Highline Medical Center Foundation, the Hi-Liners, Discover Burien, and Merchants of Burien. He was an active member of the Burien-White Center Rotary for over 46 years.

He is survived by his son Nels Dahlgard of San Diego, daughters Cathy Chambers of Newport Beach, CA, Julie Faugeroux of Portland, OR, and Paige Dahlgard of Seattle, WA, sister Karen Dahlgard of Kirkland, WA, brother Daryl Dahlgard of La Conner, WA, and sister Kristin Galante of Mukilteo, WA.

He will be forever missed and loved.

His memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 15th at 3pm at John Knox Presbyterian Church, 109 SW Normandy Rd, Seattle, WA 98166.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Dick’s name can be made to:

Highline Medical Center Foundation
16259 Sylvester Rd SW Suite 101
Burien, WA 98166

To view a special video with memories of Dick, click here.

Below are some comments we’ve received from Readers:

Knew Dick for over 50 years. Friend at Highline Hich, co-community worker through Burien Chamber of Commerce, Highline Community Hospital Foundation Board, 4th of July Parade, Miss Burien Scholarship Pageant, Political volunteer, but most of all a shared love of Burien and young people. He was truly a giver and he gave out of a sincerely giving heart. Never expecting or wanting anything back. I draw comfort knowing I’ll see him again at a much bigger reunion.

- Joan Dehn

According to The Seattle Times, police have arrested two suspects in the shooting death (reported here Oct. 31st) of a 15-year old boy in Boulevard Park on Thursday, Oct. 30th.

The two teens, from Kent, include a 14-year-old believed to be the shooter and a 15-year-old alleged to be the driver.

Both are accused in the Oct. 30th shooting death of James Jametsky during a marijuana sale in an apartment building parking lot.

According to police, Jametsky was at a Boulevard Park apartment babysitting his 3-year-old nephew when he went outside to talk to someone in a car, who then shot him dead.