Video: Beach Drive murder victim Greggette Guy’s father at vigil

| Beach Drive murder | Crime | West Seattle news

(Photos and video by WSB co-publisher Patrick Sand)
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor

Against a heartbreakingly beautiful sunset – half the sky and water shimmering pink, the other half under dark storm clouds – more than 75 people gathered as a tribute to murder victim Greggette Guy, and a declaration that they would not be frightened away from one of West Seattle’s most beautiful places.

Seattle Police detectives were there too, low-key, in plainclothes, talking to people away from the crowd, still seeking anyone who might have seen something a week ago tonight.

And then there was someone no one expected – interrupting the moment of silence after participants had walked the length of Emma Schmitz Memorial Overlook and back, identifying himself as Ms. Guy’s father Gregg Smith:

The safety concerns he voiced were top of mind for those who organized tonight’s walk and vigil on just hours’ notice, as well as those who came to join in:

Organizers circulated a sign-up sheet so that residents could find people to walk with in the days and weeks ahead, so no one would have to take a risk alone. Here’s what organizers, starting with nearby resident Judy Bentley, told participants; our video continues for 3 minutes as the walk begins:

Police have said they believe that Ms. Guy came to the Beach Drive shore a week ago for a walk, perhaps that same stretch of shore. Last Monday morning, a Beach Drive resident saw her body in the water near Harbor West Condos, the complex built in pilings over the water, and called 911. With boats and divers, public-safety crews brought it to shore (WSB coverage here); within hours, they described the death as “suspicious,” but it was not publicly declared a case of murder until last Thursday (WSB coverage here).

As evidenced by their presence tonight – and the flyers on every utility pole – police remain eager to hear anything you think might be relevant to the case. Here’s a closer look, if you haven’t seen the flyers in person:

Though not much has been said about Ms. Guy, 51, online research indicates she had been married for 30 years, with a 21-year-old daughter, and had long been employed by a South King County aviation-industry firm as a credit manager.

Spring March 18, 2012 (9:05 pm)

Tears. I’m SO sad for her father and family. I love that area too it’s my absolute favorite place and I’ve spent hours there alone and with my family. I whole-heartedly agree with his requests and those of the Beach arrive Blog in terms if adding a camera. It hasn’t been said officially yet but inferred a few times with these comments that they think she was killed here not down the way? I am in full support of all these requests for the safety of the community and to say no to crimes in all forms. She gave her life to warn others and we should do it for Gregette. And also please pray that the murderer is caught.

MB March 18, 2012 (9:43 pm)

So heartbreaking hearing her father talk. Keep praying for peace to that family and justice!!

Alki Resident March 18, 2012 (10:16 pm)

It was such a beautiful night for this vigil we attended.Glad to see so many come and support Greggettes family. Hearing her fathers voice crackle got everyone in tears,it was very heartfelt and was proud to be part of it.Together we will all make a difference for the future of this park/beach.

Fiver March 18, 2012 (10:33 pm)

This brought tears to my eyes…what strength and love her father showed tonight. As much as I want to support all his efforts and ensure our community does all it can to increase safety, I also fear unforeseen consequences of putting more lights in a beach area. I am not very knowledgeable about this area or the impact of lights to NW coastline habitat, and I would like to hear from experts who are before joining a call for more lights. I know from my time living near East coast beaches that lights near beaches threaten wildlife there. I can’t imagine what Ms. Guy’s friends and family are going through and do not mean this comment to be at all insensitive to them. My memories of public education campaigns to reduce beachfront lighting just leapt to mind while I was torn by an urge to support this cause 100%.

arborheightsfriend March 18, 2012 (11:34 pm)

Not only am I a local resident who walks these paths, trails and parks several times a week, I was a friend of Gregette’s. She was a light in her community, an unprecedented role model in Girl Scouting, a positive presence always and beloved family champion. Thank you West Seattle for honoring her tonight. This news is beyond belief. Sending healing to the community and my deepest condolences to the family.

orca March 19, 2012 (7:32 am)

In light of the demands and requests for more security devices in the area, I am wondering if there has been other reports or incidents in this area. I cannot remember any in recent years. I do walk thru here often and it has always seemed very safe and welcoming.
Is this an isolated incident or is there a documented problem there?

Westwood Deb March 19, 2012 (9:46 am)

So much love to the Guy family. I understand the fears for security on a darkened beach, but I am not following the logic of cameras. Who would be monitoring them, who would maintain them? Being familiar with their use in a public building I have to say they tend to give a very false sense of security, we so rarely can catch things on them that we can really see-having so few people to watch them is a big part. And we never monitor bathrooms or chapels, any place where people go to pray, meditate, cry, etc, think how the beach is similarly used. And as mentioned above, not much good without lights and lights impact wildlife.

Lynnette March 19, 2012 (10:42 am)

There are several sex offenders in this area.

here is the link via the fbi national registry published by the king county sherrif.

check here for your neigborhood by entering your zip code.

I would if I were any woman seriously think twice before walking alone at night as there are estimated to be over 300 serial killer/pschopathes free and hunting in the USA!

http://www.icrimewatch.net/offenderdetails.php?OfndrID=825393&AgencyID=54473

Wren March 19, 2012 (12:00 pm)

I too attended the vigil last night and I was deeply moved. I moved here last year from the mid west and I walk along the beach all the time. I like the walk along Beach Drive because it is often less crowded and a bit further from the hub bub of Alki, but sadly it is not as safe as we had all hoped. I think the memorial is a lovely idea and I hope that ways can be found to make our beaches safer.

Judy March 19, 2012 (2:03 pm)

I notice a lot of brush cutting at Emma Schmitz park today. Someone was listening.

Cheryl March 19, 2012 (2:41 pm)

Heart wrenching. Tears indeed.

LivesinWS March 19, 2012 (3:15 pm)

Another one lost in the war on women. To Purgatory with all those who insanely think women are for bullying and killing — and to all those who raise their children to be bullies and killers.

Jana March 19, 2012 (3:48 pm)

I was glad to attend this vigil as well. I kept looking at all the beautiful faces that gathered together, and could not stop thinking that it could have been any one of us. It could have been you Cheryl, you Wren, you Judy or myself. I grew up playing in this park, the old swing on the hill, the trails that reach over to Jacobsen Rd. as well as the beaches out front. I know which area has the sand dollars, moonsnails, starfish and red rock crabs. It truly is the best park to storm watch from as well, just as Dear Ms. Guy so enjoyed. It could have been me.

For me, this is sad reminder to get to know your neighbor, say hello and learn to recognize each others faces. Not always, but the culture of Seattle/West Seattle is so “eyes straight forward, don’t say hi, don’t acknowledge them” rather than a quick hello, how are you. I challenge this all the time and am met with the “why are you talking to me, who are you” response but after awhile, once their uncomfortableness has settled people lighten up and realize I’m just a person who cares. Let’s look out for each other friends and neighbors. In time of need it’s your neighbors who become your family.

Praying for Ms. Guy’s dear Dad, you broke our hearts with your tears and kind words. Praying for all of her friends and family too, this is just so heart wrenching.

Also, Tracy, your description of the beautiful sunset juxtapose to the tail end of that dark snow storm was beautiful. How interesting that the waters would look so ghostly under the dark clouds, the same waters that most likely carried her that exact way. It was a beautiful moment that will ever stick in my mind.

CGL March 19, 2012 (8:42 pm)

Greggette was my aunt. The vigil was very touching. It’s still a shock that this could happen to such a beautiful person. She will definitely be missed. Thank all of your for the kind words.

There is a website called meetup.com where you can form groups. I am a member of a walking group where I live. You can post new walks and people can rsvp. A great way to communicate about things like this. Be safe.

Vicki March 22, 2012 (2:25 pm)

Again, I wish to offer my sincere condolences to Greggette’s family and friends. As a former grade school classmate and West Seattle resident her tragic death I feel needs to not go un noticed!! I ask all of you in King County/Seattle area to demand of the city to recognize un safe places and start doing something more about it! It took 19 years in my town, but we did get action on a problem in our area. They old saying….the squeaky wheel, gets the oil, well it s time to SQUEAK! To Greggette’s Dad and family that were able to attend, your love for her was so very clear. Her father’s words brought me again to tears, I can only pray that God helps find them some peace!

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