Monfort's alleged 'one man war' against police
SEATTLE – King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg announced Thursday he is filing murder and attempted murder charges against the man who he says launched a "one man war against the Seattle Police Department."
Christopher Monfort, 41, is charged with aggravated first degree murder in the Halloween night killing of Ofc. Timothy Brenton and attempted first-degree murder for the shooting of Brenton's rookie partner, Ofc. Britt Sweeney.
Monfort is also charged with arson and attempted first-degree murder for a firebombing at a City of Seattle maintenance yard, in which Satterberg says Monfort was planning to kill police.
He also faces attempted first-degree murder for attempting to shoot an officer who was pursuing him the day he was arrested outside his Tukwila apartment.
Meanwhile, Monfort's mother says he is paralyzed from the waist down after he was shot by police last Friday. In a written statement, she says she has not been allowed to see her son, but has been informed of his condition
If convicted on the murder charge, Monfort could face the death penalty. Prosecutors have 30 days to decide whether to pursue that option, although it is often delayed in order to give defense attorneys more time to prepare their case.
Satterberg says Monfort's first target was on Oct. 22. He says Monfort broke into a City of Seattle maintenance yard where police vehicles are kept and set fire to a Seattle Police Department mobile precinct vehicle – one of the vans you often see at major crime scenes. Satterberg says Monfort also placed homemade bombs underneath other nearby cars that were fused to explode after the mobile precinct vehicle caught fire. Satterberg says the fire was deliberately set to lure first responders within the range of the bombs.
"The intent was clearly to kill those officers and those responders, " said Satterberg.
Also left at the scene were several notes which read that "these deaths" were the result of Monfort's anger over acts of police brutality.
"He further warned police that, 'Better get ready to attend a lot more police funerals,'' said Satterberg.
Nobody was killed in the firebombing.
Satterberg says Monfort's anger was punctuated by a large hunting knife with an American Flag affixed to the handle which was plunged through the roof of a patrol car.
Nine days later, Satterberg says that Monfort sat in his 1980 Datsun 210 hatchback and watched as officers Brenton and Sweeney conduct a routine traffic stop. Monfort allegedly watched as the officers parked their car at 29th Avenue and E. Yesler Way.
That's when, Satterberg says, Monfort drove up to the driver's side of the police car, took out a high-powered rifle and opened fire, killing Brenton and wounding Sweeney.
As he backed away from the patrol car and fled the scene, Satterberg says Monfort dropped an American Flag out the window.
As Ofc. Brenton's memorial has happening at KeyArena last Friday, two Seattle police sergeants and a detective were waiting in an unmarked cars outside Monfort's Tukwila apartment. They had received a citizen tip that Monfort's Datsun 210, now covered with a tarp, matched the description of the car police were looking for.
When Monfort left his second-floor apartment, Satterberg says the officers identified themselves, causing Monfort to run back towards his apartment. He allegedly pulled out a handgun, pointing it at Det. Sgt. Gary Nelson. Satterberg says even though the gun was fully loaded, it did not go off because a round was not chambered.
"This oversight saved the life of the pursuing police officer," said Satterberg.
Monfort continued toward his apartment. That's when, Satterberg says, Monfort again pointed his gun toward officers. The officers fired first, hitting Monfort in the stomach and the face.
Monfort's apartment was allegedly filled with three high-powered rifles, a shotgun, homemade explosives, booby traps and a barricade of tires. Satterberg says one bomb was connected to the kitchen stove, ready to go off at the turn of a dial. He also says there were homemade grenades with short fuses, filled with nails and wire.
"His arsenal of weapons suggested both that he was ready to continue his attacks and that he was preparing to make a final armed stand, should he be discovered," said Satterberg.
Prosecutors also say Monfort had copies of the U.S. Constitution and the Declaration of Independence in his pockets.
Satterberg says investigators matched ballistics between a rifle found in the apartment and the bullets used at the murder scene. He also says DNA from Monfort matches DNA found on the flags left at the firebombing scene and the murder scene.
holykow said on November 12, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Here's hoping that the seattle prosecutor grows some courage and goes after the death penalty on this bottom-dweller. They did not choose that route for the armored car driver that was murdered in cold blood in front of all kinds of witnesses, which was a stone cold lead pipe cinch case for the death penalty, so I hope they use the full extent of the law against this cold killer. Population of hell should be increased by one with this guy. HK
truthdector said on November 12, 2009 at 11:39 AM
>"Monfort's anger was punctuated by a large hunting knife with an American Flag affixed to the handle which was plunged through the roof of a patrol car" Sounds like political terrorism.... Similar to .. You guessed it: William Ayers! \
ss427 said on November 12, 2009 at 11:40 AM
Melt him down. Soon! Not like the DC sniper though. It should be slow and painful.
eoin1 said on November 12, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Please, Please tell me the Seattle Prosecutor has grown some stones to be able to say, "Yes we will be going with the Death Penalty on Mr.Christopher Monfort".
obrien65 said on November 12, 2009 at 11:48 AM
"Brenton is in stable condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. He is expected to recover to face the charges." Maybe I am nitpicking, but out of respect for the Officer, shouldn't they report this correctly?
angelteacher2000 said on November 12, 2009 at 12:01 PM
I was fortunate enough to have taken classes with Officer Brenton years ago in Spokane. He was the sweetest guy ever! I remember how much he was looking forward to becoming a police officer. I was so shocked to hear of this tragedy and hope and pray that the Seattle Prosecutor will follow through with the death penalty in this case.
bk425 said on November 12, 2009 at 12:21 PM
In a case like this, where these people were attacked simply because they represent our legal system, we should make the resources available to ensure that justice is served quickly and accurately. I still don't understand how the Malvo case could have taken as long as it did, let's please have the facts of this out quickly and if guilt is determined have this person removed from the population permanently. We owe that to everyone in society especially these officers.
truthdector said on November 12, 2009 at 12:39 PM
Why is William Ayers still breathing?
soldier206 said on November 12, 2009 at 1:18 PM
Although, i do not agree with the killing of anyone. I applaud the actions of MR. MONFORT. The police have been beating, maiming, and lieing on police reports ever since the beginning of the seattle police department. We in the poor sections of the seattle community have been victims for far too long. We live in a police state, we have no rights and are subject to a beating if we invoke our rights. I love police work, it is a necessity. I have NEVER met a cop who was not CROOKED. I say that and support that with the following. If an officer, who voluntarily swore an oath to obey and enforce the laws of the constitution and the laws of washington state, witnesses a fellow officer committing a crime, that officer would not arrest that officer, nor tell the truth on a police report. What people fail to realize is that cops are HUMANS also and therefore subject to fallibility. Pinning on a badge does not make one above the law. Unfortunately, we in the poor sections recieve alot of rogue t
soldier206 said on November 12, 2009 at 1:21 PM
cops are HUMANS also and therefore subject to fallibility. Pinning on a badge does not make one above the law. Unfortunately, we in the poor sections recieve alot of rogue thug cops who love to beat, maim, torture, and murder those they fear. People call them hero's cowards run in packs, birds of a feather flock together. there are more rogue thug cops than one may think. These cops are no different than a street gang. They protect the rich and serve the poor. My belief is that MR. MONFORT was turned away from the police force because he posed a threat, not to the community, but to the police force itself. I think MR. MONFORT would have exposed them for who they really are. No matter what happens to MR. MONFORT I stand with him in understanding why he did what he did. MUCH RESPECT. we must bring ANYONE who breaks the law to justice. not just an ordinary citizen .
truthdector said on November 12, 2009 at 1:28 PM
soldier206 or Should I say Obama.. Is that you, you're not fool us with the fake name your political paradigm of liberal victimology to destroy America is transparent under the mask you wear...
truthdector said on November 12, 2009 at 1:46 PM
Hey uh soldier206, you ever watched the new series "Bait Car?", it's funny, in every episode they set up the nice new shiny cars in vulnerable situations and your kind swarm on them like flies on a steaming pile of you know what.. it's absolutely irresistible to your bro's, 99% of them are the thieves, that's why you kind is thought of as the lowest form of human waste on the planet, the tv show say's everything one needs to know...
yorkstergirl said on November 12, 2009 at 1:56 PM
Soldier206, with an attitude like yours, you deserve to be beaten!
jackwong said on November 12, 2009 at 2:05 PM
Wow, this guy is the real Travis Bickle...
homerj said on November 12, 2009 at 2:21 PM
hey soldier...when they inject him...you still gonna be beside him asking for some....God I hope so.....you sound more like a wuss from the 618 to me....
2lat4me said on November 12, 2009 at 2:30 PM
Hey Soldier206, for comments like that, I hope you suffer every single day of your life. It would be great if everyone you cared about and loved (if there is anyone...unlikely) becomes so sick and suffers beyond compare and you just have to sit back and watch them die. You're just giving your own kind an even worse name, and yes, it is obvious what your kind of people are. In fact, just go some place and die. You are useless anyway. As for Truthdector, you realize you spelled detector wrong, right? That's why your comments about president Obama are so weak. Next time have your mommy spell check.
kentwa said on November 12, 2009 at 2:40 PM
Soldier206....what is the matter with you? "I applaud the actions of MR MONFORT." Wow - I disregarded everything you wrote after that as uneducated. I would have thought more of you if you would have empathized with his condemning the police department for using brutality without justification - but supporting his actions....huh, your just as sick a human being as he is. I have also experienced first hand the way some police officers abuse their power and I understand the helpless feeling of the community when this happens but in no way do I condone the 'actions of MR MONFORT' and I hope he is served justice while paying the ultimate price of his own life. truthdector: Your a bigot, racist and a waste of an opinion......I would prefer people like you just waste away on an island somewhere with child molestors, murders and rapists. I wonder how you would fare being dropped in the middle of the 'lowest form of human waste on the planet' you referred to Soldier206 's bros.
thesnowqueen said on November 12, 2009 at 3:34 PM
Death.
tycho said on November 12, 2009 at 3:42 PM
I'll say it again, though my comment was censored on a different article: Criminals don't deserve any rights period, they take all their victims rights away (and in this case 'life'), so the system should not grant criminals ANY rights at all. It would be a excellent deterrent to any criminal activities, and anyone planning on doing a crime would know this, and most likely wouldn't commit any crime at all. But, I'm guessing law enforcement would not want this since it's a form of job security for them. Can't blame them for wanting job security, though it does seem to be a very high price for anyone to pay. I totally agree with ss427, holykow, and truthdector. To angelteacher2000, you have my sympathy. To soldier206, you should get yourself a strait-jacket, and check yourself into a mental ward or start taking happy pills, immediately, and fyi, there's a little thing called spell check, your spelling really sucks!
thesnowqueen said on November 12, 2009 at 3:45 PM
And I am sick of seeing his smirking face........please use another picture or nothing at all. Or perhaps a picture of the officer he killed......he was the victim in this.
tycho said on November 12, 2009 at 4:11 PM
To truthdector: Your 1st comment was good, however your later comments didn't make a lot sense to me. Did your IQ take a 90 point dip all of a sudden? I'm guessing you read and accepted as fact and identified with solder206's comments too much.
pazzerbd said on November 12, 2009 at 4:48 PM
truthdector you are a racist fool.
maimeogram said on November 12, 2009 at 5:11 PM
Too bad Monfort wasn't paralyzed from the neck down and then forced to live out his pathetic life in agony. An appropriate "prison term" for his crimes. I wouldn't be at all surprised to find out that he once said the very things that ol' soldier206 said. Hmmm, maybe we ought to put a watchdog on HIM! Soldier boy, sounds like maybe you have anger issues or PTSD that you need to deal with appropriately before YOU hurt someone. You rant as though all police are crooked. Does that mean we should assume all soldiers are as whacked as you are? All priests molest little boys? All conservatives bomb abortion clinics?
nutmeg145 said on November 12, 2009 at 6:08 PM
karmas a b***ch! he's getting his just deserts. also, what this family is going through, the pain and grief they are feeling is horrible. . :'( my prayers are with tim's family.
dr_cooper said on November 12, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I just want to add: It's great to see so many people that comment here are outraged by soldier206's rants. It's also great to see that although there are "bad cops" at times, just as there are "bad teachers"" BAD SOLDIERS",etc. we aren't out running around killing people. Or trying to intimadate people through lies and anger. AND, that we know the difference between reality and delusions. Unforunately, not every one is like that though. Some people will believe the words of people like soldier206 or, truthdector. God help us all , , ,
dr_cooper said on November 12, 2009 at 6:31 PM
I just want to add: It's great to see so many people that comment here are outraged by soldier206's rants. It's also great to see that although there are "bad cops" at times, just as there are "bad teachers"" BAD SOLDIERS",etc. we aren't out running around killing people. Or trying to intimadate people through lies and anger. AND, that we know the difference between reality and delusions. Unforunately, not every one is like that though. Some people will believe the words of people like soldier206 or, truthdector. God help us all , ,
dr_cooper said on November 12, 2009 at 6:34 PM
DARN!!! My first comment didn't make it on here! Thats lousy---didn't say anything with "bad words" or anything. Thanks KING5
hz6sp6hz6sp6 said on November 12, 2009 at 6:34 PM
Reporting incidents of persons killed by the police in bold adjectives may be perceived as the opinion. of the news paper. I'm not sure how it happened, but some people ready do think the police were quick to kill in curtin incidents. I personally wonder if the police value life in accordance with what is expected in our culture. I definitely believe the value of life is set by and passed down from the top. Hey wait a minute! Don't you guy's have the death penalty?
davidadams said on November 12, 2009 at 6:37 PM
I can't wait for the needle in this scumbag's arm. That will be a great day, and I will be toasting his trip to hell with champagne. Feel the burn, dirtbag.
dr_cooper said on November 12, 2009 at 6:40 PM
lmao! KING5 doesn't put one of my comments on, then they double up by putting my second comment on twice!!! You guys really need to get your act together with this new homepage of yours. KOMO comments are much easier to use AND any comments directed to a comment you made, is directed right to your email as well as being posted. Three class here KING5
mikthrac said on November 12, 2009 at 6:47 PM
He needs to be put to death.
blankingout said on November 12, 2009 at 7:23 PM
He is paralyzed? For his charges and his current state, what is a more harsh punishment: Giving him the easy way out of his paralyzed life or making him serve a life sentence paralyzed with no special privileges?
frred said on November 12, 2009 at 7:39 PM
Tuba Man, rest in peace you poor soul. I hope the so called justice system these liberals have in place gives this killer more than the few months behind bars than they gave your murderers. They are gonna fry this guy because it was someone of status that was killed and not just the lowly Tuba Man. Society sucks bigtime to disgrace Tuba Man by letting his killers proven guilty go scott free and then to judge this so called cop killer guilty before trial and say the death penalty is forthcomming. Shame on society for allowing this to be happening. Sickening all of you who support this system are! Tuba Mans blood is on your hands!
avharrisjr said on November 12, 2009 at 7:59 PM
Something that bothers me about many situations where police officers must use their firearms. I think it is inexcusable that there have been many cases where several rounds were fired yet the target survives. This is a significant public safety issue if the police can't hit what they shoot at. When deadly force is required, it should be deadly. Anything else is dangerous for the rest of us. If officers can't hit what they shoot at in stressful situations, then they should get other jobs.
frred said on November 12, 2009 at 8:02 PM
Don't feel bad doc cooper, they yank 80% of mine because I am anti-commie(anti-liberal). Their censorship Nazis are running away their customers!
jlake said on November 12, 2009 at 8:18 PM
Make him sit on some HOT COALS. I believe that it is supposed to help purify the soul. In his case, at least it would not hurt.
lovewashington said on November 12, 2009 at 9:44 PM
What a flippin shame. He will serve out his life and we should not have to pay for that. He still needs to die. Now that is what we call justice.
yorkstergirl said on November 12, 2009 at 10:06 PM
Perhaps Soldier 206 has a map of hell to share with Mr. Apocalypse!
mitch22 said on November 12, 2009 at 10:44 PM
I hope he doesn't get the death penalty... Paralyzed from the waist down for maybe 40 years till he dies??? An Execution is letting him off easy... Life in Prison
skippythedog said on November 12, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Paralyzed.....a good start. I don't want to foo the bill for his imprisonment however.....Smoke him ASAP.
jackwong said on November 13, 2009 at 3:29 AM
I almost don't want this guy to be put to death, imagine this half-paralyzed dude trying to fight off bubba in jail... he'd wish he had the death penalty on him.
l39pilot09 said on November 13, 2009 at 6:56 AM
I agree, give him 400 years!
truthdector said on November 13, 2009 at 7:54 AM
This is an Obama, Rev Wright, William Ayers and Chairman Mao Anita Dunn inspired hate crime of terrorism against traditional American freedom and law. This is just the beginning, I'm taking my 10 thousand dollar bonus and stocking up on guns and ammo this year, they're going to have guns, so it will be a numbers war of attrition.
olyjim said on November 13, 2009 at 9:31 AM
I can't believe some of the comments in here...Was this crime unforgivable, yes...Should this guy be punished? Hell yess...But the people in here who are after blood are just as bad as the person who comitted this crime. Why pay millions of dollars to execute this guy...Just let him rot in prison, and noone will have to deal with him again. truthdector you are sicker than soldier....you need to get some counseling soon....Before you end up on the front page of the paper....Something is miswired in you, and it's about to short out.
collegeguy said on November 13, 2009 at 9:54 AM
soldier206 is a friggin id**t. Giving Monfort approval for murder is just insane, and shows you are just as ignorant. Truthdector, you are totally racist and off your rocker dude. The attack on american law is as much from the right as it is the left, each side thinks they have it right when they are wrong. How about you take your foolsih conspiracy theories and find an island somewhere and take your crazy and wrong ideas somewhere else.
truthdector said on November 13, 2009 at 1:50 PM
Yea college guy believe your own self-deceit all you want, doesn't change Obama's radical and unsavory associations and their love for Chairman Mau. I realize you're uninformed and inexperienced in reality; right where the traitor rats want you.
acitizen said on November 13, 2009 at 5:14 PM
did you see the video of THREE seattle police officers beating a guy who is NOT resisiting? This PR that the seattle police department does NOT need now. Are they idiots??
cmeeverett said on November 14, 2009 at 12:52 AM
Well... it's not like this guy is going to try to escape from jail in his wheel chair. No doubt his attorney's will be playing this sympathy card to keep him from a death sentence.
scott04 said on November 14, 2009 at 8:14 AM
The local mafias choice to be corrupt has caused this kind of violent retaliation. And its the locals fault for allowing the mafia.
justus said on November 14, 2009 at 12:23 PM
Mr. Monfort is a true american hero.I only realized this very recently after logging on to cop watch and realizing we are not very far from being iraq.unfortunally we cannot form our own army .because our gov. will use our own military against us.kent campus ruby ridge.waco.so the only thing we can do is go to work every day make an honest living.until the police stops you or your family and violate your rights.when that day comes I just hope you are as much man as mr. monfort.we have completed a internal investigation into this matter and find Mr. monfort is a true american hero.and I pray that every man that gets violated by cops do the same.