Murder Charge Filed in Maple Valley Case

Today, the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed charges of Murder in the Second Degree (Felony Murder) and Felony Hit and Run (Death — Driving) against a 15-year-old girl accused of killing a Maple Valley man last July.

There have been questions about why we have not charged this 15-year-old as an adult. That is not a legal option at this point. Because she was 15 at the time of the incident, she is not subject to automatic adult court jurisdiction. Any decision to transfer this matter to adult court would be up to a juvenile court judge. Given the facts of this investigation and the circumstances of this case, the law does not support transferring this case to adult court. 15-year-olds accused of murder are presumed to be subject to juvenile court jurisdiction. Even when juveniles are convicted as adults, Superior Court judges at sentencing can still follow the juvenile sentencing guidelines set by state lawmakers.

There have also been questions about why we have not charged this 15-year-old with first-degree murder. The facts in the attached documents do not support that charge. There is no evidence to establish that she premeditated the death of the victim, which is required for a first-degree murder charge. They were strangers to each other. She is charged with Murder in the Second Degree under the Felony Murder theory. That is, in the attempt to commit a felony, she caused the death of another human being. Specifically, in this case, it is alleged that she intended to hit/bump the victim with a motor vehicle (Assault in the Second Degree), and this caused his death.

We understand that many people who knew and loved the victim find the legal remedies neither sufficient nor just. We are sorry for his loss and this tragedy that should not have happened. We will do everything within our ability to hold this juvenile responsible for her actions and to support the family through the legal process, knowing that even guilty verdicts will not make up for this senseless crime.

This blog post is not expected to be updated moving forward.