The idea for the permanant memorial at this location was formulated by the Leschi community as a way to commemorate the life and honor the sacrifice of Officer Brenton.

The public dedication ceremony will begin at 3:00 p.m. at that location.

Some of the streets immediately surrounding the dedication will be closed, but there will be limited parking at the Leschi Elementary School parking lots at 31st Avenue and East Yesler Way.

The dedication is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, with several speakers scheduled to make remarks. 

The Seattle Police Department is honored and extremely humbled by the outpouring of support from the Leschi community.

Tim Brenton – Humble integrity

People who know me would never describe me as helpless.  However, over the last month that is how have I felt – not only helpless but afraid, confused and scared.  In fact, today it was originally planned that I was to attempt to avoid all of you, but this morning I woke up and changed my mind.  I called Officer Ehring and explained to him that I wanted to walk into court with my head held high and that I was tired of being afraid and feeling helpless.

Last week I went to a gathering after the memorial for the fallen four officers in Lakewood.  I wanted to pay my respects and also attempt to thank people personally for coming to our aid.  What I came away with after that night was a feeling of courage and humility.  I again was overwhelmed with a sense of strength and support these officers had, not only for the fallen families but also for themselves.  From the family of the one to the families of the four, these deaths are not going to be tolerated.

My husband is not here anymore to protect and defend his family.  However, we the Brenton family along with his fellow police and fire department families are here to protect and defend his memory.

I can describe my husband in two words, humble integrity.  He lived life with a quiet strength, a swift sense of humor and a strong sense of right and wrong.  For this reason we have chosen to continue to represent him in the most honorable ways that we know.  We will continue to draw strength from the public and from the immense and endless strength of his law enforcement brethren with the same sense of honesty and quiet intelligence that he always maintained.

Again, we the Brenton family are here to represent Officer Tim Brenton, who more importantly was my husband and the father of my children, Kayleigh and Quinn.  We are here in his death with strength and courage while maintaining at all times his humble integrity.

Our hearts ache for the families of Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officer Tina Griswold, Officer Ronald Owens and Officer Gregory Richards.  We pray that they will be granted strength during this time of unbearable grief.  Our thoughts are also with the officers of the Lakewood Police Department who continue to provide public safety services to the citizens of Lakewood.  Their families are painfully aware of the risks that are inherent in their loved ones’ chosen profession.

We remain hopeful for the swift capture of the monster who robbed them of their husband, wife, father, mother, son and daughter.

Our family has been comforted by the citizens of Seattle, the Pacific Northwest and beyond who have offered their prayers and support over the past weeks.  For this, we are thankful.

We will ask for one thing more.  Please support the families of the Lakewood officers in the same way you helped us in the days and weeks after Tim’s murder.  We have asked that the Brenton Family Assistance Fund be closed.  Anyone wishing to provide any financial support should devote it to the Lakewood Police Independent Guild.  They will ensure that this will be provided to the families of these fallen heroes.

Donations can be mailed to:

Lakewood Police Independent Guild
PO Box 99579
Lakewood, WA 98499

Donations can also be made on their Web site, http://www.lpig.us

We know that Tim has been joined by Mark, Tina, Ronald and Greg.  We will forever hold their memory dear, honoring their love and sacrifice in service to us all.

The suspect stopped in a stairwell near his apartment and was manipulating the gun in an apparent attempt to clear a malfunction. The suspect once again pointed the gun at detectives and the detectives fired on the suspect in self defense, striking him at least once.  The suspect was taken into custody and transported to Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries.  No detectives were injured. 

The Tukwila Police Department is handling the crime scene investigation and the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the officer-involved shooting investigation. 

The Seattle Police Department continues its active and vigorous investigation of this case.  Detectives have determined several important facts at this point in the investigation:

Detectives have recovered DNA evidence from both the October 22^nd arson scene at the city maintenance facility and the scene of Officer Brenton’s murder on October 31^st.  The DNA evidence matches that of Monfort. 

Detectives recovered a .223 caliber rifle from Monfort’s apartment in Tukwila.  A ballistics test of that weapon identifies it as the firearm used in Officer Brenton’s murder and Officer Sweeney’s attempted murder. 

Also recovered from Monfort’s apartment was a considerable amount of bomb-making material and evidence that indicates that the type of explosive devices Monfort was in the process of making or had made were even more lethal than the ones used in the October 22^nd arson.  He clearly was intending to inflict even more destruction in his next criminal attack.  

Further examination of the explosive devices used in the October 22^nd arson and of the devices found in his apartment indicate that Monfort was intending to harm first responders to the scene, i.e. police and fire department personnel.    

Evidence recovered from Monfort’s Datsun 210 reveal that the car was struck by at least one of Officer Sweeney’s bullets fired from her service weapon during the October 31^st incident.   

Monfort remains under treatment at Harborview Medical Center.  For any inquiries regarding criminal charges, please call the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  

The Seattle Police Department would like to sincerely thank the community and all the law enforcement agencies that showed their support for us during this difficult time. We would also like to thank the media for assisting us in disseminating information to the public regarding these incidents, Officer Brenton’s memorial service, and the on-going investigation.

The Tukwila Police Department is handling the crime scene investigation and the King County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit is conducting the officer-involved shooting investigation.

SPD detectives obtained search warrants to further examine the crime scene. Evidence located inside the suspect’s apartment included improvised explosive devices (IEDs), a rifle, and various other items of evidence.  Detectives now believe that this individual is responsible for both the murder of Officer Brenton,  the attempted murder of Officer Sweeney, and the arson attack on October 22^nd at the Charles Street facility. Detectives are asking the Prosecutor’s Office for formal charges. The Datsun that detectives were looking for is registered to the suspect.  Our investigation into the murder of Officer Tim Brenton and attempted murder of Officer Britt Sweeney continues and we are still receiving and following up on tips.  We have received numerous tips from the public and we encourage everyone to continue to call us with any information they may have regarding this investigation. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call either 911 , or the tipline at (206) 233-5000.  Those wishing to remain annonymous are encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or send a text to CRIMES (274637).  Your text message should include “TIP486″  to ensure proper routing.  Calls are taken 24 hours a day.

His skills in weapons use and close quarter techniques suggest prior training.  He has likely practiced a great deal with weapons and those around him will note his abilities and interest in them.  These skills may have been developed through previous employment or hobbies.  In the days and weeks prior to the shooting, he may have increased his practice with weapons.

After the shooting, he may have disposed of, altered, hidden or repaired his vehicle in some form.  This vehicle may have been damaged in the firefight.  It is described as a 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  It is important that if anyone has recently sold a vehicle of this type or had one stolen that they call Seattle Police at 206 233-5000.

After the homicide, he may have displayed uncharacteristic behavior, such as being silent and quiet about the shooting when others would have expected him to be outspoken about it.  He may also display an uncharacteristic interest or even fascination in the news of the shooting.  Regardless, the stress of this homicide may cause him to behave differently from his norm.

On Halloween night, October 31st, he was notably absent for a period of time, in the hours before midnight.  If there are others who are a part of his life and aware of his routine, and this includes relatives, co-workers, friends or others, he will have had to provide a plausible explanation for this absence to them.

He likely has experienced a significant personal crisis in the recent past.  This event may have been the death of a loved one, loss of job or status, divorce, financial hardship, or other failure.  Whatever it is that is bothering him, he may often be outspoken about what he perceives to be a deeply personal grievance.  We’d like to know what this grievance is.  His grievance may relate to his employment or position in life.  We do believe that although he shot a police officer, he may in fact admire them and even act like them. 

He knows that there are very good officers, and Officer Tim Brenton was a very good officer who swore a solemn oath to protect our citizenry.  We’d like to know why this person chose the Seattle Police Department as the target of his grievance.

While it may appear we are focusing on a sole male offender, we have not ruled out the possibility of this crime being committed by a small group.  What I have been describing is the likely personality and behavior of the dominant individual behind this plan that has turned into a serious crime.  In fact, there may be others involved in the planning or actual attack who may not have expected this incident to have become the murder of a good and innocent police officer.  If there is such an individual he or she may be in fear for their own safety.  We are willing to listen and help, if such an individual wishes to contact us about the killer.

Clearly, we are also willing to listen to the offender to better understand his grievance.

We ask the public to carefully consider the information provided above and consider whether or not they may know this offender or have noted behaviors or activities suggestive of involvement in this incident.  Please contact the Police Department if you feel you may have information related to this crime, no matter how insignificant it may appear to you.  You may contact us by the following ways:  206-233-5000, anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 206-343-2020 or through a text message by texting TIP486 with a message, then sending that to 274637 (CRIMES). 

We also remind the public of the $105,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in this investigation.”

Below are pictures of the 1980 to 1983 Datsun 210.  The color appears to be white or beige.  These images were captured by Seattle Police Department in-car cameras of officers responding to Officer Sweeney’s call for help.  The images were captured in the vicinity of the murder.  The image with the OCT 31 2009, 9:46:57 PM time stamp was taken from the in-car camera of Officer Brenton and Sweeney’s patrol car.  Detectives believe that the pictures are of the same vehicle of interest.

The vehicle of interest is on the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest in the left hand side of the frame.

The vehicle of interest is in the center of the frame, sideways facing left.