Administration Robert G. Lenz, Operations Manager Robert J. Drewel Building, 7" Floor; M/S 504 Snohomish County 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Prosecuting Attorney Everett, WA 98201-4046 Mark K. Roe (425) 388-3772 Fax (425) 388-7172 June 24, 2010 Detective Buendia Bothell Police Department 18410 101st Avenue NE Bothell, WA 98011 Detective Zeka Everett Police Department 3002 Wetmore Avenue Everett, WA 98201 Dear Detectives Zeka and Buendia: Ihave finished reviewing your exhaustive investigation into the July 2, 2008, fatal shooting of Dwight Monnie by Sheriff's deputies. While it was impossible to tell with any certainty which of the two fired the fatal shot, (3 shots were fired total) it appears clear that the shooting was justified, and no charges will be filed against either officer. ‘While any loss of life is regrettable and tragic, I do not believe the Deputies had any choice. As usual, the entire S.M.A.R.T. investigation is completely open and available to the media, to family members of the deceased, and to the general public. Anyone desiring to review the incident or investigation can do so. The S.M.A.R.T. process is totally transparent, as it should be. Late on the night of July 2, 2009, Deputies responded to a priority call indicating that Mr. Monnie was armed with a handgun, had threatened his wife, and was now pursuing her with the gun. He also threatened to shoot himself after shooting his wife. The scene was a rural residence down a long driveway in the Arlington Heights area of North Snohomish County. The house is not visible from the roadway, and is concealed by approximately 200 yards of trees, bushes, and other vegetation. Deputies knew that though they had to approach the home carefully, they had to approach it nonetheless. Deputies laid shields and other protective gear on a patrol car and used it for cover while slowly moving down the driveway. This took several minutes. When they were able to view the house, they could also see Mr. Monnie sitting on the porch. He had a Criminal Division wil Division Family Support Division Joan Cavagnaro, Chief Deputy Jason J. Cummings, Chief Deputy Marie Turk, Chief Deputy Mission Building Robert 3. Drewel Bidg., 8" Floor Robert J. Drewel Bldg., 6" Floor (425) 388-3333 (425) 388-6330, (425) 388-7280 Fax (425) 388-3572 Fax (425) 388-6333 Fax (425) 388-7295June 24, 2010 Page 2 of 2 handgun in his hand, and was smoking a cigarette. He yelled at them to shut off their lights, and that there would be "no cooperation-no peace." Deputies tured some of their lights off, in an attempt to begin negotiations, and show good faith. They called out repeatedly for Mr. Monnie to drop his gun. He would not. He told them they would have to shoot him. The Deputies didn't shoot. They continued to try and reason with him instead. After several more minutes, Mr. Monnie told them he had given them their "last warning.” He then raised the gun and pointed it at the Deputies. One Deputy with a rifle had taken a covering position behind a tree off to the side of the patrol car, while four other Deputies were positioned behind and to the side of the car — some with, and some without, rifles. When Mr. Monnie pointed his gun at the car and the Deputies, the Deputy covering, and another Deputy to the side of the car, did what they had to and fired their rifles. Mr. Monnie was hit, and died from the inflicted wound. Ballistics have been unable to determine which of the two similar rifles fired the fatal shot. Numerous witnesses had seen and heard the confrontation. They heard Deputies repeatedly implore Mr. Monnie to drop his gun. They then heard the shots. Some later gave statements that in their opinions, the Deputies had no option but to shoot when they did. At least one of the witnesses thanked the Deputies. Dwight Monnie was a distraught 64 year old man armed with a loaded handgun Deputies did everything they could to diffuse the situation, but when he pointed that gun at them, they had no choice but to shoot before one of them were killed, These are the type of situations police officers must sometimes face in carrying out their duty to protect all of us. While they never want to take a life, on this occasion, they had no safe or prudent option. Mr. Monnie was a very real threat to the Deputies and everyone else present Thank you for all your work, and for taking Deputy Prosecuting Attomey, Julie Mohr, and | to the scene, Thank you, as well, for driving to Fife to pick up Mr. Monnie's widow, and bringing her here to meet with all of us. You may now notify the deputies of this decision Very truly yours, ee Mark K. Roe ‘Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney