Sep 06
Murder Suspect Captured, Girlfriend Wanted for Rendering Criminal Assistance
by Lewis & Laws
Murder Suspect Captured, Girlfriend Wanted for Rendering Criminal Assistance
Seattle murder suspect, Hobert Clark, pled “not guilty” in court to two counts of Murder in the 2nd Degree, Assault, and Illegally Possessing a Firearm. Clark allegedly killed Paul Warner with a tactical pistol-grip shotgun. The second count of Murder in the 2nd Degree was filed because Clark allegedly killed Warner while committing an Assault with a firearm on the son of Warner’s girlfriend.
The Assault in the 1st Degree and Assault in the 2nd Degree charges were in response to Clark pointing a shotgun at the son of Warner's girlfriend and another man, firing a shot which was close enough to one of them that it left the victim in fear for his life. Pierce County Sheriff's deputies arrested Clark, and the investigation is ongoing.
Bail was set at $2 million for Clark, and Pierce County detectives are now searching for Clark's girlfriend, Christina Kitchens, is wanted for rendering criminal assistance to Clark. Detectives say they have a video showing Kitchens driving away from the murder scene with the unrecovered shotgun. Crime Stoppers is currently offering a cash reward for any information which can lead to the arrest of Kitchens.
Court documents state that Clark was angry to find that Warner, his girlfriend, and her son were staying on a property owned by Clark’s parents. Although Warner, his girlfriend and her son had permission from one of Clark’s friends, Clark ordered Warner to leave the property. Warner did so, moving to an adjacent piece of property which was not owned by Clark’s parents.
One of the victims told deputies Clark showed up at the property, lifted the seat of his motorcycle, removed a shotgun, and said: "They need to be taught a lesson.” Clark then fired the shotgun at the victim and continued toward the home where Warner’s girlfriend’s son was sitting with his dog. Paul Warner came out the door, lunging at Clark, causing both men to fall to the ground. At that point, Clark fired his shotgun into Warner’s chest, then fled on his motorcycle.
Clark had just been released from prison on June 23, 2019. Clark has prior convictions for Assault 3, Assault 2, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Eluding Police and Bail Jumping.
The Crime of Rendering Criminal Assistance in Washington
In the state of Washington, a person could be charged with Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree or with Rendering Criminal Assistance in the Second Degree.
Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree Charges
To sustain First Degree charges, the individual must have rendered criminal assistance to a person who has committed or is being sought for Murder in the First Degree, or any Class A felony. The charge of Rendering Criminal Assistance in the First Degree is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine as large as $20,000. If it is established that the individual in question is a relative who was under the age of 18 at the time of the offense, then a gross misdemeanor will be charged, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine as large as $5,000.
Rendering Criminal Assistance in the Second Degree Charges
Rendering Criminal Assistance in the Second Degree could be charged when an individual renders assistance to a person being sought for a Class B or Class C felony, or a person being sought for violation of parole, community supervision or probation. The crime is a gross misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine as large as $5,000. If it can be established that the individual in question is a relative, the crime might be charged as a simple misdemeanor, with a penalty of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine.
Rendering Criminal Assistance is a serious crime with serious penalties. If you are charged with the crime of Rendering Criminal Assistance, it is important to speak to a knowledgeable Seattle criminal defense attorney as soon as possible.
Getting Help From Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys at Lewis & Laws, PLLC
If you are charged with any crime in Seattle, it is important to remain calm and contact an experienced Seattle criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say can - and will - be used against you in a court of law. Don't speak to anyone without first speaking to us.
The experienced lawyers at Lewis & Laws, PLLC have successfully defended clients in Seattle, Bellevue, and Kirkland. Contact us today at 206.209.0608 or fill out our online contact form.
