Arrests made in Everett homicide

Since the homicide on August 31st, detectives have investigated the shooting death of a male inside a vehicle at Langus Riverfront Park (411 Smith Island Rd). Witnesses told detectives that immediately after the shooting, two males ran from the victim’s vehicle and left the parking lot in a red Ford Escape. Video surveillance from a nearby business yielded an image of the Ford’s license plate as it drove past. On the evening of the 31st, a local private tow company impounded the Ford from a nearby apartment complex for a reason unrelated to the investigation. Detectives learned of this and seized the Ford before executing a search warrant to enter it.

Once inside the Ford, detectives found evidence that led them to a female who told detectives she had been with her male roommate and another male friend when they met up with a third man. She was left at a local casino while the males drove to Everett.

Detectives interviewed the male roommate who admitted driving two males to Langus Riverfront Park in his Ford Escape with the intent of purchasing illegal drugs. While driving, he was told the others planned to use fake cash and rob the victim. The roommate stayed in his Ford while the others met with the victim. However, before they returned to the Ford, the roommate heard a gunshot. The roommate drove the group from Langus Riverfront Park and hid his Ford at a nearby apartment complex where it was impounded by the tow company.

Based on evidence, witness statements and interviews, detectives identified and developed probable cause to arrest the three males for murder (RCW 9A.32.030). This afternoon, the 42 year-old roommate was booked into the Snohomish County Jail. This evening, a 29 year-old male, who detectives believe shot the victim, was arrested by deputies with the Island County Sheriff’s Office and the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office, along with assistance from the Washington State Patrol, after a pursuit. The Collision Investigation Unit of the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the pursuit as one of their vehicles was damaged during PIT maneuvers. One male, a 26 year-old, currently remains at-large but is actively being sought.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the victim as 56 year-old James R. Scannell.

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Homicide investigation in Everett
(Original Release: August 31, 2020)

EVERETT, WA – Major Crimes detectives continue investigating an Everett homicide.

At about 3:15 p.m. yesterday, officers were dispatched to Langus Riverfront Park (411 Smith Island Rd) on the reports of gunfire. Arriving officers discovered a male had been shot inside a car and immediately administered life-saving measures. Unfortunately, the injury was fatal and the male died at the scene.

Detectives with the Major Crimes Unit are investigating the homicide. They collected evidence and continue interviewing witnesses to develop a timeline of events and identify a possible suspect(s). Initial reports indicated a SUV fled the scene. Detectives do not believe the homicide was a random event.

The Snohomish County Medical Examiner’s Office took custody of the deceased male, believed to be in his 50’s, and will determine identity as well as cause and manner of death. Once the family has been notified, the Medical Examiner’s Office will publicly release his identity.

Langus Riverfront Park was closed to the public for several hours during the investigation.