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Saturday, November 7, 2009

Crime SPD Statement on the Brenton Murder Suspect

Posted by Dominic Holden on Sat, Nov 7, 2009 at 4:44 PM

This afternoon, Seattle Police confirmed that they believe Christopher J. Monfort, the man shot and arrested in Tukwila yesterday, is responsible for murdering officer Timothy Brenton. Here's part of the statement issued this afternoon:

On the afternoon of November 6th , 2009, Seattle Police Homicide detectives received a tip about a Datsun 210 matching the description of a possible suspect vehicle used in the slaying of Officer Tim Brenton. Detectives responded to a parking lot in the 13700 block of 56th Avenue South in Tukwila. While detectives were investigating the scene further an adult male suspect emerged and pointed a gun at them. Detectives fired on the suspect in self defense, striking him at least once. [...]

SPD detectives obtained search warrants to further examine the crime scene. Evidence located inside the suspect’s apartment included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rifle, and various other items of evidence. Detectives now believe that this individual is responsible for both the murder of Officer Brenton, the attempted murder of Officer Sweeney, and the arson attack on October 22nd at the Charles Street facility. Detectives are asking the Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges. The Datsun that detectives were looking for is registered to the suspect. Our investigation into the murder of Officer Tim Brenton and attempted murder of Officer Britt Sweeney continues and we are still receiving and following up on tips.

In a news briefing today, Seattle Police assistant chief Jim Pugel called Monfort "a lone domestic terrorist."

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CNN Someone needs to tell them to correct their photo caption ASAP. It makes me cringe

Posted by jane doe on November 7, 2009 at 5:23 PM

They messed up a lot in that CNN article.

Posted by Annag on November 7, 2009 at 5:28 PM

Did a blog search found the following entry by a Chris Monfort, not sure if it's the same person but given the subject matter it sounds likely
Anderson Cooper 360

"Chris Monfort May 7th, 2009 10:58 pm ET
Well it seems gun control still doesn't work, Chicago is another city that refuses to believe that taking guns away from/strictly limiting guns from law abiding citizens makes the problem worse. What is better than an unarmed public for criminals to take advantage of. Gun control "making victims one law at a time"

Posted by jane doe on November 7, 2009 at 5:45 PM

I am glad that the police have him. I wish that they would just call him a criminal and a murderer. Enough with calling every petty thug a terrorist.

Petty in mind.

Posted by PTrig on November 7, 2009 at 6:11 PM

@4: I prefer "copkiller." The double "k" sound matches the vileness of the idea much better. You can really spit it out hard, like it's burning your tongue just sitting there on the tip.

Posted by Jerod on November 7, 2009 at 6:27 PM

One note ... yes, he's a suspect, but this guy hasn't been convicted of anything. I also haven't read yet that he confessed. Not a real shock that he got shot, either. I am sort of surprised the cops didn't kill him.

Posted by rutabaga pie on November 7, 2009 at 8:15 PM

@6: Unless you're asserting that all the evidence was fabricated, it seems kind of far-fetched at this point to not see a connection between this man and the two crimes in question. Yes, due process, as always. But I would be enormously surprised if this guy turned out to be not guilty.

One oddity: yesterday, the reports all said that the detectives had been watching the apartment since the morning. The statement says they received the tip yesterday afternoon. Which is it?

Posted by Lee on November 7, 2009 at 8:42 PM

Yes, due process, as always.

Posted by rutabaga pie on November 7, 2009 at 9:14 PM

Since the 1996 Atlanta bombing person-of-interest Richard Jewell is dead, we can't ask him what it's like being named a suspect. But maybe we can ask CNN and other news outlets and his former employers (that he sued) about insinuating guilt before trial. For the google-impaired, the real bomber was Eric Robert Rudolph. Security guard Jewell was a hero, then a murderer, then oops-we're sorry-you're a hero.

But whatever, it's just a couple of words we have to slog through. If Monfort makes it to trial, it will be easier for the prosecution if he's not "convicted" in the press releases and press coverage.

Posted by YeahMeToo