Casey McNerthney, a spokesperson for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office (KCPAO), confirmed the charges against Hector Gonzalez Medina, 43.

“In this case, the defendant is accused of waiting for about 40 minutes under a tree and then shooting at the victim, in this case, through the passenger window of a vehicle, and then shooting some more,” McNerthney said. “Those are really difficult details to read for the many people who loved this victim.”

Prosecutors said a witness told police they overheard Medina threaten to kill Hana Gonzalez over the phone the night before the shooting. Medina is accused of waiting outside a friend’s apartment before firing multiple rounds into her truck.

According to court documents, Medina told police he got angry when he arrived home to find she was not there, so he called her and they argued.

He allegedly told police he threatened to kill her over the phone.

His bail is set at $5 million, and he’s due in court Tuesday.

Bothell incident occurs during Domestic Violence Awareness Month

“This tragedy, coming during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, is a painful reminder of what’s at stake,” David Martin, Chair of the KCPAO Domestic Violence Unit, said. “Domestic violence is not a private matter — it’s a public safety crisis. Behind every statistic is a person whose life mattered — and a family and community left to grieve. Awareness must mean more than recognition; it must drive the change that saves lives.”

This is the 12th domestic violence homicide in King County this year.

“One of my first decisions when I was elected prosecuting attorney was to create a Gender-Based Violence and Prevention Division in my office because attending to the needs of survivors of gender-based violence is a priority for me personally – and it requires the intentional investment of resources, time, and capacity,” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion said. “It also requires understanding.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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“This is an exciting day for DU and an incredible opportunity to continue to advance our exceptional academic and athletic programs,” University of Denver Chancellor Jeremy Haefner said. “The excellence of schools that are part of the West Coast Conference is a perfect complement to DU and will help us continue to recruit the very best students and faculty.”

Seattle University Vice President for Athletics Shaney Fink welcomed the news, calling Denver’s athletics program “competitive” and praising the school’s “strong academic profile.”

“It’s great news for the West Coast Conference,” Fink told KIRO Newsradio on Friday. “On all fronts, it’s really exciting.”

“Having that kind of addition, where it’s still in the West footprint, but it expands it a little bit, gives more prospective students, more eyeballs on the conference,” Fink said. “The student athletes you’re looking to recruit are looking to be in the strongest conference they can, so being stable and having schools that are similar, all of this really helps in the process.”

New conference rivals featured in Monday night basketball game

Seattle University, which joined the WCC earlier this year, will host Denver in a non-conference men’s basketball game Monday night at Redhawk Center. Tipoff is set for 7 p.m.

Denver’s Vice Chancellor for Athletics, Josh Berlo, said the Pioneers are “pumped up” for the matchup in Seattle.

“We’re gonna get to learn more pretty quickly how we start to match up with some West Coast Conference foes,” Berlo said.

Fink said joining the WCC has been a boost for Seattle U, increasing visibility for its teams both in person and on television.

“All of the reasons that we had our sights on the West Coast Conference, we’ve already seen those come into fruition,” Fink said. “Every one of our teams has had the highest attendance numbers during the [fall] season when we’ve been on the road, tons of alumni support, certainly more eyeballs.”

The WCC will also see a major change next summer when longtime member Gonzaga departs for the Pac-12 Conference.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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Researchers followed 850 adults over 12 weeks. Whether patients received help through messages or face-to-face video chats, the results were essentially the same.

There were some differences, though: more people chose message-based therapy, but those who participated in video sessions tended to build stronger connections early on.

“We found that patients improved at similar rates, regardless of whether they were communicating with their therapist through messaging or live video calls,” said Patricia A. Areán, retired professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the UW School of Medicine and a senior author of the study. “This supports the use of text-based therapy as a viable, evidence-based way to treat the millions of Americans who experience depression every year.”

UW depression study variables

According to a news release from UW Medicine, participants were randomly assigned to one of the formats for 12 weeks.

“Those who did not respond after six weeks of treatment were re-randomized to receive a combination of both modalities,” the release said. “At the end of the trial, participants in both groups showed comparable improvements in depression symptoms and social functioning.”

“Depression is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality worldwide,” said healthcare practice and policy researcher Michael Pullmann, former research professor of psychiatry at the UW School of Medicine and the paper’s lead author. “Message-based psychotherapy can help practitioners reach patients who may not otherwise be able to access care.”

The people who took part in the study received psychotherapy through the commercial online mental health platform Talkspace.

The study was published Thursday in JAMA Network Open.

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Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue arrived around 2 a.m. to find flames tearing through a home and trailer near 208th Place S.E. and Old Monroe-Duvall Highway.

There are no fire hydrants nearby, so crews had to truck water in up a steep dirt road.

The family got out of the house safely, and firefighters rescued six husky puppies and two adult huskies.

The family told firefighters the sounds and smells of the fire woke them up, as did flickering lights. However, there were apparently no smoke alarms heard when crews arrived.

“We are thankful that no one, residents or firefighters, was injured in this fire,” Snohomish Regional Fire & Rescue said in a Facebook post. “Although the family was able to be awakened by the fire, this incident serves as an important reminder of working smoke alarms. When seconds matter, smoke alarms provide a critical early warning and can save lives.”

The home is a total loss.

The Snohomish County Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the cause of the fire.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The staggering future deficit mainly stems from setbacks in student learning. The study revealed a significant global learning shortfall from the pandemic that needs to be addressed.

Researchers explained a combination of masks, testing, social distancing, and targeted shutdowns could have cut the pandemic’s cost from $4.6 trillion to $1.9 trillion.

KIRO Newsradio spoke with one of the authors of that study, Adrian E. Raftery, a Professor Emeritus of Statistics and Sociology at the UW.

Raftery said that during the pandemic, the data on the number of infections and the systems in place to track it were not good in the United States. He hopes that leaders invest in ways to improve health data collection, so we are ready for the next pandemic.

Watch the full discussion in the video above.

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Between Oct. 17 and Oct. 22, six fires were reported involving homes, a commercial building, a vehicle, and a portable toilet. Fire officials said all were deliberately set.

The Seattle Fire Department (SFD) posted a list of those fires online Thursday morning.

Updated as of Oct. 22:

• Oct. 17 at 12:04 a.m. – Fire in an unoccupied vehicle parked at 23rd Ave. S. and S. Walker St. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
• Oct. 17 at 1:04 a.m. – Porch fire at a residence in the 3200 block of S. Mt. Baker Blvd. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
• Oct. 17 at 4:38 a.m. – Fire in a portable toilet at a construction site at Hiawatha Pl. S. and S. Charles St. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
• Oct. 18 at 6:34 a.m. – Fire in a vacant section of a commercial building in the 2700 block of Rainier Ave. S. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
• Oct. 21 at 12:31 p.m. – Porch fire in a vacant building in the 1100 block of E. Spruce St. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.
• Oct. 22 at 7:58 a.m. – Fire in a residential building in the 1900 block of 22nd Ave. S. This fire was determined to have been intentionally set.

Seattle police released a picture of a suspect possibly connected to the fire on October 22.

This suspect was possibly connected to a fire in Seattle on October 22. (Photos courtesy of SPD via KIRO 7)

Officials said similar fires were reported in the same area in July and August.

“The Arson Alarm Foundation is offering an award from its annual $10,000 award fund to anyone with information that leads to the arrest or conviction of those responsible for setting recent fires in the vicinity,” according to the post. “Call 1-800-55-ARSON or email SFD_FIU@seattle.gov with any information about these fires – you can choose to remain anonymous.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The home is located in the 2100 block of Bellpark Drive in East Bremerton.

A total of 15 people were contacted at the property, according to a post on the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office Facebook page.

Multiple arrests made after SWAT team serves search warrant

Nine people came out of the home after numerous commands. Authorities contacted five more people in vehicles/RVs on the property.

“This residence has brought a lot of unwanted attention to this typically quiet neighborhood,” Kitsap County Sheriff John Gese said. “The Sheriff’s Office will respond to those situations where crimes exist, especially where illegal drugs are being trafficked, further putting our community at risk.”

According to the post, four people were booked into jail for outstanding arrest warrants and various drug charges.

Two of the people booked were the renters of the home, and “charges will be forwarded for maintaining a dwelling for drug purposes,” the post said.

“The impact of addiction is profound in our community,” said Gese. “Treatment offers hope to those addicted.”

As of Wednesday morning, detectives were still on the property processing evidence. Additional charges may be filed.

There are plumbing and septic failures at the location, according to the sheriff’s office.

The Health Department will be inspecting the residence.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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Coach Peyton Pelluer was relieved of his duties over the weekend while the Issaquah School District conducted a review. The district has not disclosed details about the investigation.

“Following the Issaquah School District’s review of recent allegations and expectations while they are addressed, Skyline High School Head Football Coach Peyton Pelluer has been reinstated to his coaching duties. Student and staff safety remain the district’s top priority, and all allegations deserve a thorough review to maintain consistency and ensure compliance with district regulations,” the district said in a statement emailed to KIRO Newsradio Tuesday.

Head Coach Peyton Pelluer and the entire coaching staff are 100% focused on ensuring a safe, positive experience for his student-athletes as he prepares for this Friday’s game, celebrates Skyline’s seniors at Senior Night, and looks ahead to the upcoming playoff games,” the district continued.

Skyline High School principal announces investigation

Skyline Principal Keith Hennig made the initial announcement in a letter to Skyline families on October 18.

“Head football coach Peyton Pelluer has been temporarily relieved of his coaching duties pending the findings and outcome of a district investigation,” the letter said. “Our priority remains providing a safe, supportive, and positive experience for all student-athletes, and we hope to conclude the investigation in a timely manner.”

In a letter posted on social media, members of the coaching staff said they believe the situation stemmed from complaints about playing time.

“We understand that this action stemmed from complaints regarding player participation,” the post stated. “However, it is clear that a very small but vocal minority of parents has been allowed to exert outsized influence over our program, spreading misinformation and slander about Coach Pelluer and the coaching staff.”

In an update to that post on Tuesday on Assistant Coach Gino Simone’s Facebook page, the coaching staff celebrated Pelluer’s reinstatement.

“Our staff is thrilled to be back on the field with our student-athletes and our head coach, Peyton Pelluer, today,” the post stated. “We as a staff are eager to dive back into the game plan and continue investing in these young men every day.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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Authorities said the incident started in the parking lot of the Moses Lake Tap Room, where a fender bender led one driver to pursue the suspect vehicle.

According to a post on the Moses Lake Police Department’s Facebook page, the victim “flagged the suspect vehicle down in the 1000 block of Marina Drive. The suspect and a passenger pulled over and confronted the victim driver with a firearm. The victim fled out of fear.”

Officers tracked the brothers — ages 49 and 52 — to a nearby home, where both men surrendered peacefully.

“The suspect driver and passenger were booked into jail for assault 1st degree, felony harassment, and hit-and-run attended,” the post said.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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A 42-year-old deckhand on a commercial fishing boat was found underwater Thursday. A crew member had called 911 to report the man, who was from the Bellingham area, missing.

His body was discovered at the end of a dock at the marina, according to a Facebook post from the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.

The Kitsap County medical examiner will determine the cause and manner of death.

The man’s name has not been released.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The victim was found on October 10. On Tuesday, investigators announced the first arrest in the case.

On Friday, the second suspect was booked into jail on suspicion of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

The first suspect was booked into the Pierce County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Man found dead in Tacoma homeless encampment

A man was found dead with apparent gunshot wounds in a homeless encampment on October 10, authorities said.

Officers responded to a call from the 2700 block of South Orchard Street shortly after noon that day, where an unresponsive adult male was discovered. The fire department pronounced the man dead at the scene.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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On Wednesday, officers responded to the 1500 block of 31st Street SE, where a masked group allegedly assaulted a man and threatened him with a firearm while trying to steal his belongings.

Investigators tracked some of the suspects to a property in the 31700 block of 102nd Avenue SE. Using a small, unmanned aircraft system (sUAS), officers got an overhead view of the area. Because of that, they could see a trailer hidden behind a high fence.

Officers were able to stay safely behind cover as they called out to the suspects.

Two of them came out, and the drone showed they were not armed. It also showed a third suspect trying to hide.

Auburn police take suspects into custody

Eventually, they were all taken into custody without incident.

A fourth suspect was arrested elsewhere.

“The Auburn Police Department’s trained sUAS pilots regularly use drone technology as an officer-safety and de-escalation tool, helping bring dynamic incidents to safer resolutions for both officers and community members,” police said in a post on Facebook.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, a deputy attempted to pull over the suspect around 9:25 a.m. The individual was wanted on a felony Washington State Department of Corrections warrant.

“This is a pretty tragic incident, and I think all of the deputies are devastated by what happened,” Pierce County Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

The suspect sped away and, about 10 blocks later, collided with the woman’s vehicle at the intersection of 112th Street South and Ainsworth Avenue South.

Authorities said the woman had a green light, while the suspect ran a red light.

She died at the scene.

“The suspect ran a red light and unfortunately did hit the victim’s vehicle in a T-bone type of collision at a high rate of speed, and the driver of that vehicle was killed,” Cappetto explained.

Pierce County deputies take suspect into custody

The suspect was taken into custody.

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) has taken over the investigation.

“We understand that we do have to keep our streets safe, and get bad guys off the street, and unfortunately, this is a risk that comes with it,” Cappetto said.

Contributing: James Lynch, KIRO Newsradio

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The Washington State Transportation Commission is considering two temporary toll hike options—either 50 cents or $1.00—applied 24/7 for six weeks from June 1 to July 15, 2026. The goal is to manage the extra traffic and help fund maintenance.

At Tuesday’s commission meeting, one member expressed reservations about the proposal, calling it a “slippery slope” to increase tolls for a single event.

“The World Cup is a uniquely large event,” Washington State Transportation Commission Deputy Director Carl See told KIRO Newsradio. “It does not necessarily portend to, if this, then necessarily we do it for other activities.”

Impact of higher SR 99 toll

Good to Go! rates for two-axle vehicles currently range from $1.25 to $2.80. Officials said the temporary hike would represent a significant increase and acknowledged that residents and businesses would also be affected.

The Washington State Department of Transportation is encouraging fans to consider transit, walking, and biking to get to the matches.

See told KIRO Newsradio that as early as December, the commission will decide whether or not to proceed with this potential toll rate increase based on the assessment that is currently underway.

“If the Commission does decide to proceed at that time, the next step would be the public-input process in support of the rate-setting,” he said.

The public input would be taken in early 2026.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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Officers responded to a report of an assault near First Avenue and South Washington Street.

A 45-year-old woman who works at a nearby bar, along with a 35-year-old man who tried to intervene, were both injured.

Seattle police arrest man, recover bloody knife

Police said the suspect became violent after being denied alcohol and drugs. He was arrested nearby, and officers recovered a bloody knife.

While in custody, the man allegedly used racial slurs to antagonize and threaten a group of bystanders.

Police also said he may have used a homophobic slur before attacking the woman.

According to a post on the Seattle Police Blotter, the man was booked into jail for two counts of felony assault.

Follow Julia Dallas on X. Read her stories here. Submit news tips here.

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Crews responded to the scene in the 27600 block of Webster Road East and found a patient.

That person was given medical care but later died from their injuries.

Conditions were very dangerous for firefighters when they arrived.  The house was engulfed in flames when they got to the scene.

“There was hoarder conditions within the house, and there was concerns about the second floor, collapsing,” said Brianna Stenstrom, spokesperson for Central Pierce Fire & Rescue.

Firefighters remained on scene working to extinguish the blaze.

After the fire was knocked down, a second victim was found inside, authorities said.

Both of the people who died were in their 70s, Stenstrom said.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Crews are on-scene of a structure fire in the 27600 block of Webster Rd E in Graham. A patient was located and is receiving medical care. Please avoid the area as crews work to extinguish the fire. More information will be shared as it becomes available. pic.twitter.com/67oVQerIPl

— Central Pierce Fire & Rescue (@CentralPierce) October 13, 2025

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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First order prepares Seattle for National Guard

The first order prepares Seattle for potential unauthorized National Guard deployments, establishing legal readiness and coordination with state and city officials.

“We are ready to fight in court,” Harrell said. “We will prevent the unlawful encroachment on the roles and jurisdictions of SPD by the federal government.”

Harrell criticized Trump’s actions in cities like Portland and Chicago, calling them a “military occupation” and warning against normalizing what he described as “extreme” and “irrational” behavior.

“He is showing no respect for the rule of law,” Harrell said. “He’s making dangerous statements about American cities being, quote unquote, training grounds for the military. This should cause all of us pause and concern.”

Second order focuses on immigration enforcement

The second executive order focuses on immigration enforcement, proposing a ban on masked law enforcement officers. It would also require visible identification for all agencies operating in Seattle.

“Masked agents operating without clear identification diminish transparency, they erode accountability and sow fear in our communities,” Harrell said.

The order also restricts federal immigration authorities from using city property for operations, a move officials say is intended to prevent ICE from staging in public spaces.

Trump defends his use of federal troops, saying recently, “We will never allow mobs to take over our streets, burn our cities, or destroy America.”

He also suggested he would consider invoking the Insurrection Act if local leaders failed to maintain public safety.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The incident occurred just before 2 a.m. near 11th Ave. and E. Fir Street. According to police, a man approached the woman from behind, pushed her down, and put a gun to her head, demanding she empty her pockets.

The woman complied and gave the suspect $50 in cash. After that, the man ran away and has not been caught as of Tuesday afternoon.

“We consider this a very heinous and very disturbing armed robbery,” Seattle Police Detective Eric Muñoz told KIRO Newsradio. “The fact of the matter is this is one of our community members with a service dog that was doing nothing more than enjoying her time in the city, so this absolutely should not have happened.”

Description of the robbery suspect

The suspect is described as being between 21 and 50 years old, light-skinned, with a thin build. The woman told police the suspect had what sounded like a Hispanic accent.

The victim was not seriously injured, and her service dog was also unharmed when she fell on it during the incident.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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The incident began with a break-in at a church on East Hill, where two pressure washers were reported stolen.

“Turns out the suspect, a 58-year-old Kent man, was attempting to sell the pressure washers to someone in the parking lot of the Home Depot,” police said in a post on Facebook. “He was spotted by the parishioners, dropped the washer, and fled on foot, leaving the washers behind. They followed him, and when he climbed onto the roof, they kept vigil below to keep him from fleeing until police arrived.”

Puget Sound Fire brought in a ladder truck, and officers climbed up onto the roof.

“At this point, he was thoroughly surrounded by police on the roof and the less-than-happy parishioners below, so he gave up without further incident,” the post said.

Officers eventually catch burglary suspect

Officers put handcuffs on the man once he was on the ground.

“We won’t lie, assuming you’re not afraid of heights, it’s pretty fun to play firefighter occasionally,” the post said. “A big THANK YOU to Puget Sound Fire for the literal lift and support. You can run, you can hide, you can even climb, but we’re not shy about asking for an assist when needed to catch a suspect.”

The police also thanked the parishioners, “who worked as a team to force the suspect to stop running and stay put in a place we could get him. You guys are a force to be reckoned with and we are glad you’re on our side.”

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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Washington State Commissioner of Public Lands Dave Upthegrove toured the area near the Labor Mountain fire on Wednesday, one of the major wildfires still burning in the state.

“Right now, in Washington State, 237,000 acres have burned this fire season,” Upthegrove said. “We have 11 major fires burning right now, in the state of Washington.”

The Bear Gulch Fire is among this year’s fires. It is on the Olympic Peninsula.

“[It is] the largest fire we’ve seen in Western Washington in decades, a reminder that this is an all of Washington issue,” Upthegrove said.

He warned that lingering smoke is putting people’s health at risk — especially seniors, children, and those with respiratory conditions.

WA wildfires lead the nation in poor air quality

Recently, the region recorded the worst air quality in the United States because of wildfire smoke.

“Every part of the state of Washington has been impacted by wildfire smoke this year,” Upthegrove said. “If the legislature doesn’t restore our wildfire prevention and response funding, we will see more fires, bigger fires, and higher costs to taxpayers with more smoke impacting people’s health.”

Wildfires have forced the closure of Blewett Pass on U.S. Highway 97 since last month due to the Labor Mountain and Lower Sugarloaf fires.

As of late Thursday morning, the Lower Sugarloaf fire had burned 39,594 acres and was 48% contained.

Tim Sampson, a deputy incident commander for the Lower Sugarloaf fire, said winds are in the forecast.

“We want to make sure we keep the foot on the gas pedal and make sure that we do our due diligence, continue working the lines, continue working the resources on the ground, so if we get the winds coming this weekend, we are prepared for that,” Sampson said.

The Labor Mountain Fire was just 7% contained and has burned 37,613 acres.

“We’re focused on trying to keep this fire as small as we can with as little cost as we can,” Jeff Dimke, Incident Commander on the Labor Mountain Fire. “Fire has been a natural part of our ecosystem, and given our changes in climate, we’re losing more and more of our acreage to catastrophic changes and fire.”

Road closures caused by the Labor Mountain Fire

Drivers seeking alternate routes for cross-state travel are advised to use U.S. 2 over Stevens Pass or Interstate 90 through Snoqualmie Pass and Vantage.

Communications Manager for the Washington State Department of Transportation’s North Central Region, Lauren Loebsack, cautioned that traffic delays are likely, especially near the Vantage Bridge, where construction has reduced lanes to one in each direction.

“Plan ahead, understand that travel times are going to be longer than expected,” Loebsack said. “We’re really also asking people to be fire-wise out on the roadway. Both Snoqualmie Pass and Stevens Pass have had short closures due to brush fires alongside the road.”

Extended closures like this are rare for Blewett Pass.

“We’re all in it together now,” Loebsack said. “We don’t want to reduce another cross-state travel option with the pressure already of the US 97 Blewett closure.”

Loebsack also urged travelers to rely on official sources for road conditions.

“Third-party travel direction apps might be sending people in the wrong directions,” she said.

She advises drivers to use the WSDOT real-time travel map or the WSDOT app.

“That is us putting up what we know to be the best, you know, traffic conditions at that moment,” Loebsack said.

Frank Lenzi is the News Director for KIRO Newsradio. Read more of his stories here.

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