UPDATE: Repeat offender Ryan Cox stabs a man and then himself in Gatewood, police say

(WSB photos by Christopher Boffoli)

10:18 PM: Seattle Fire and Police are on the scene of what medical radio transmissions describe as a double stabbing at California and Orchard [map]. Two men, both around 40, are being taken to the hospital.

10:39 PM: WSB’s Christopher Boffoli is at the scene and reports that California is closed between Myrtle and Othello. The stabbings are reported to have happened out in the street.

10:55 PM: Though SPD has not yet commented at the scene, they’ve just tweeted that one man stabbed the other and then himself, so no one else is being sought. Seattle Fire says one man was transported with life-threatening wounds, one with non-life-threatening.

11:04 PM: While we are still waiting for a more-detailed account from police, multiple witnesses – at the scene and by phone – say the man with the life-threatening wounds was in his car when attacked by the other man. The car is reported to be the white SUV in our photo above.

12:20 AM: Police at the scene continue to decline comment, referring inquiries to media relations, so we likely will not learn anything more until later this morning. Christopher reports that as of midnight, the road was still closed as the investigation continued.

7:32 AM: So far, still no additional information from police. Meantime, a commenter identifying herself as the victim’s wife posted overnight that he was in surgery.

8:07 AM: Here’s the entirety of what police just posted to SPD Blotter, the first official information since one tweet late last night:

The male victim, age 40, is at Harborview Medical Center with life-threatening injuries while the suspect, 39, is also at Harborview with non-life-threatening injuries.

On Tuesday, August 8th at 10:00 pm, Southwest Precinct officers responded to a call of a fight and stabbing near California Avenue SW and SW Orchard Street. Officers arrived and located both the victim and suspect. The victim had extensive injuries to his chest, head, and upper arms. Seattle Fire medics arrived and treated the victim at the scene and then transported him to the hospital. The suspect also had stab wounds to his thighs, which he stated occurred during the course of the attack.

It is unknown what led up to the confrontation, but witnesses interviewed at the scene confirmed that the suspect attacked the victim and that the victim was not armed. It is unknown what the relationship is between the two men, if any. Officers recovered a knife at the scene and submitted it into evidence.

The suspect was also treated at the scene and transported to the hospital, where he remains under police custody. Once the suspect has been cleared medically he will be booked into the King County Jail.

Detectives will conduct the follow up investigation.

This remains an active and ongoing investigation.

8:51 AM: As just noted in comments, police have confirmed to us by phone that the suspect, who remains in the hospital at last report, is Ryan Cox. WSB policy usually precludes identifying suspects until and unless they are charged, but given the neighborhood history with Cox, this is an unusual case and we are making an exception. That history goes back to 2009, when he was arrested in connection with graffiti vandalism involving homophobic slurs. At the time of his arrest, police said then, he was carrying a knife.

(added) It has been three years since he was last mentioned on WSB, after his release from jail following completion of a sentence for an assault case in which he pleaded guilty in 2013. As we mentioned in comment discussion below, we’ve checked city, county, and state records and no recent criminal cases were shown – the most recent case of any kind was a citation last December for “consuming/possessing open container of liquor in public,” according to the Municipal Court website. Before that, he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor trespassing in August 2015.

ADDED WEDNESDAY NIGHT: Cox was booked into jail just before 8 pm tonight.

151 Replies to "UPDATE: Repeat offender Ryan Cox stabs a man and then himself in Gatewood, police say"

  • WSprayers August 8, 2017 (10:35 pm)

    I have been hearing the sirens as I’m busing the area from Holden to my step dads on Morgan and 35th prayers for the guys-ugh…never think or feel threatened when I’m out and about-need to be aware more and more crime in our area not so safe anymore 

    • WSprayers August 9, 2017 (12:56 am)

      It is that unsafe-I have been in denial…wow….Prayers going up the guy makes it…and I really hope this is not a random act of violence-any kind of violence in our Nieghborhood is bad…sucks I grew up in and around here-can honestly say there has been only a few times in 30 yrs I ever felt unsafe-there are too many life threatening acts going on in short amount of time lately-increasing in numbers and severity-God help us all….

  • Yma August 8, 2017 (10:37 pm)

    What ever you can relate is great.

  • Leigh August 8, 2017 (10:37 pm)

    It happened on my block. One man definitely repeatedly called the other a slang term for a gay man. Very upsetting and sad.

    • WSB August 8, 2017 (10:48 pm)

      Our crew at the scene is still gathering information on the circumstances.

    • Will August 8, 2017 (11:10 pm)

      This sounds like ryan cox again. He has been in our alley off willow and california yelling derogatory things about gay people. Just google his name. So so sad..

      • WSB August 8, 2017 (11:18 pm)

        We have reported on him many many times over the years. We have no IDs yet on the attacker or victim.

      • Kari August 8, 2017 (11:42 pm)

        This Ryan Cox person looks to be the same person camped out on Gatewood Elementary property about a week ago when I picked up my kids from daycare. He yelled the same derogatory remarks at me and my kids as we walked by, I called 911, but couldn’t stay there until police could arrive because he started walking towards me yelling at me and I felt unsafe. Glad I didn’t stay knowing now how dangerous he is. I hope he doesn’t return to our neighborhood.

      • Sonja August 9, 2017 (6:12 am)

        Is Ryan Cox the person I’ve been referring to as “Screaming Man”? In the year I’ve lived here I’ve barely seen him, just heard him plenty for a couple of weeks during the summers.

        • WSB August 9, 2017 (7:26 am)

          Whether he is or isn’t the person you’ve heard, there are multiple “screaming” people with whom police have been dealing, per dispatches heard as we monitor the scanner many hours a day/night. Not far from this, there is – or was – someone yelling out a window repeatedly at Cal-Mor Circle on California north of Fauntleroy. In The Junction and other parts of mostly north West Seattle, a man reported to be in his 50s, with long gray hair, usually shirtless, has been called in repeatedly recently for yelling at people and approaching vehicles. And those are just a couple examples. Police are called to deal with many more such cases of “people in crisis” than what you would conventionally think of as “crimes.”

          • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (8:46 am)

            The grey haired man has been screaming (obscenities) in my neighborhood recently (north Genesee south Admiral district).

          • SureShot August 9, 2017 (9:40 am)

            Yep, this guy was standing at the bus stop on Spokane and California about two weeks ago screaming and flipping off cars for nearly an hour, AN HOUR, on a Sunday afternoon.

            Hey great job Seattle police!

      • Lytepipe August 9, 2017 (10:55 am)

        Almost two weeks ago I was driving West on Brandon from Fauntleroy and saw this man starting to cross the street at the top of the hill. As soon as he saw my car he began screaming “***HOLE!” Over and over again at the top of his lungs. I was unsure if he was going to attack my car but thankfully he didn’t. It was very alarming.

        • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (12:33 pm)

          That grey haired man yelling a hole gets around!

  • AL August 8, 2017 (10:53 pm)

    I’m only a couple of blocks away! So scary. Thanks for keeping us updated.

  • Ajwren August 8, 2017 (10:53 pm)

    I am stunned and in denial!

  • Colleen August 8, 2017 (11:00 pm)

    I witnessed one man standing in the street yelling at another man in a white SUV. I turned my car around and was just about to call the police when I started hearing the sirens. Very scary! 

    • JS August 9, 2017 (8:58 am)

      Longer curly hair? Black shirt? Saw a man yesterday around 7-8pm in two locations standing yelling aggressively at whoever was nearby. While eating at Whiskey West also saw the individual fight on a Metro Bus.

  • Alki Resident August 8, 2017 (11:09 pm)

    I came up there and tried to help as I live a block from the scene. I have no words but please please pray for victim. He’s in bad shape. 

  • Roddy August 8, 2017 (11:09 pm)

    Goodbye West Seattle. Nice knowing ya.

    • Alki Resident August 8, 2017 (11:22 pm)

      This was a homeless guy stabbing a local resident. This easily can happen in your backyard. 

    • Greg August 8, 2017 (11:58 pm)

      Best of luck in your search for a neighborhood unaffected by mental illness.

  • Steve August 8, 2017 (11:10 pm)

    And to think that Lisa Herbold should be working on public safety instead of ordinances that will require landlords not to conduct criminal backgrounds for their prospective tenants.   At least this criminal will be thanking Lisa when he gets out and finds a nice rental.  

    • TheWiserOne August 9, 2017 (11:48 pm)

      The statistics show that when people are housed, their issues of addiction, mental illness or whatever can be more easily managed and having an address connecting a person to a home allows authorities to keep better track of persons. This man is obviously mentally ill, probably using or drunk, showing signs of hatred so he’s experienced some serious trauma to make him this way. It’s not an excuse for criminal behavior but there is NO proof that people with any background flaws are not good tenants, neighbors, etc. When a person experiences homelessness it usually is because of something that was beyond their control or resources and it can make some people feel hatred to those whom are housed. Sadly this is our society and it’s happening everywhere, every city, state all over America.  The system of Jails and Institutions for mental illness are not a cure for a much bigger issue. Fix the broken systems and educate and house everyone so that people don’t keep going into jails or Prisons which DETERIORATES their mental health, Jails and Prisons or State hospitals do NOT not make them better.
      And my prayers go out to the victim in the white Land Rover and his family. 

  • Kyle August 8, 2017 (11:24 pm)

    There has been a homeless man in the neighborhood yelling and cursing at people for the last week. The Seattle Police were involved about a week ago at the McDonald’s, but they just told him to leave. On another neighborhood site this article was referenced.  https://westseattleblog.com/2014/02/followup-where-ryan-coxs-case-stands-after-this-weeks-arrest/ 

  • Chaz August 8, 2017 (11:29 pm)

    It was definitely Ryan Cox. He shouted obscenities at me a few weeks ago when I was walking my dog, and I heard him again tonight muttering the same obscenities to himself when I walked by the Unitarian church. When I came back about forty minutes later, I arrived on the scene just before the first police car, in time to see the victim on the side of the road. Scary to think that so many others might have found themselves in that person’s predicament. @Steve, I don’t think this guy will be renting an apartment anytime soon, but what scares me is the idea of him ending up back on the street. He’s already been to jail for attacking people with a baseball bat…

    • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (12:44 am)

      If Cox was involved, it’s sad how many times he has been contacted by police. It doesn’t seem like someone should be able to have such a history and be free until he commits the ultimate crime. 

  • Frank August 8, 2017 (11:38 pm)

    Correct Steve, that email Herbold sends out each week describing her current priorities? I never see cop-support as being one of them…quite the opposite.  Scary that she’s at the helm of what was our little hamlet.  And..she’s still, ” driving in the center lane” on the 35th Ave SW channelization nightmare.   

    • Andros August 9, 2017 (10:39 am)

      This.

      Lisa needs to go, as well as most of city council, the mayor, the director of SDOT and on and on. Their priorities are all wrong for this city and Lisa’s for W Seattle. No time spent on police priorities. Let’s get her out of there. 

      • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (12:34 pm)

        Totally agreed!

      • M August 9, 2017 (4:03 pm)

        OMG I can’t wait to vote her out

  • Wsresident August 9, 2017 (12:04 am)

    If it is indeed Ryan Cox, then WSB  please let us know when he gets out of jail,  as odds are he will come back to west seattle & terrorize or injur someone again.  

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (12:28 am)

      I checked the jail register and court records; he is not shown on the register, which generally means no jail bookings for at least the past year or so, and nothing is in court records since a misdemeanor case in 2015. We will be following the case, whomever the attacker turns out to be – TR

  • AlwaysReady August 9, 2017 (12:05 am)

    This is why legal concealed carry is so necessary. Protect yourselves and your family everyone, West Seattle isn’t safe anymore, and no one’s lining up to be a cop these days. Your protection is YOUR responsibilty, the SPD simply can’t help us much in this regard because there just arent enough Police Officers in Seattle and the criminal element knows this. Prayers go out to the victim of this hateful bastard.

    If anyone is interested in applying for a Washington State CPL (Concealed Pistol License), inquire at your local Sherrif’s office, Downtown 4th avenue Police Headquarters and the Delridge Police Station both issue permits to my knowledge. All you need is $50 and a clean record. Be safe and be vigilant good people, semper paratus.

    • Soup Ninja August 9, 2017 (2:15 am)

      The solution to violence is more violence, eh?

      • Mike August 9, 2017 (7:30 am)

        Ya, the knee jerk reaction of shoot after you’ve been stabbed always amazes me.  As if it magically heals the wounds.  Meanwhile people carrying seem to forget they can go to jail for the rest of their lives if they kill somebody and its proven in court they did so in retaliation rather than ONLY as a means to protect their lives.  You can’t just shoot and call it a day.

        • SeattleFran August 9, 2017 (6:38 pm)

          Agreed, not the answer for us or our community.  If you’re pro law enforcement, they usually don’t favor open carry laws either. 

    • brian August 9, 2017 (7:28 am)

      Nah, I’m good.

       Good luck with your self-induced terror. Sounds like it’s going great!     

      • MMM August 9, 2017 (11:45 pm)

        Self-induced?  Ou realize that an ordinary resident was almost murdered, right?

    • James August 9, 2017 (10:42 am)

      I agree 110% with you AlwaysReady!! I am always armed, whether openly with my duty firearm (at work/to & from) or concealed with my personal firearm (away from work). I’m not taking any chances. And no , Mike, it doesn’t mean you or we can just go and shoot someone and call it a day. That’s not what it’s about. It’s about only firing to save your life or the life of another. It’s a last resort. As long as the force used is reasonable and necessary to protect yourself or someone else, you will not be charged. If other methods could have been exhausted but weren’t, then yes you can possibly be charged. It all depends on the individual situation.
      Prayers to the victim and his family and for a quick recovery.

    • Alki August 9, 2017 (12:48 pm)

      I’ve been putting off getting a conceal carry permit. I’m headed down to get one now. 

      These screaming people are hitting too close to home. Saw a screamer on Alki yesterday screaming at a 4 year old girl and her Mom. Getting scary here in WS 

    • Leslie August 9, 2017 (3:52 pm)

      Two important points for both views

      1). I am all about our constitutional rights and understand the premise for concealed carry. If this is something that helps you feel prepared, great, go for it. Inciting violence with violence is absolutely the last resort as stated by another post. 

      2). Being aware of the area, policing by reporting anything suspicious, and knowing your neighbors is the first step. This is why I have contacted SPD and am working to set up a neighborhood watch. I am a resident on California and Myrtle so look for more info in the local area to come. 

    • BPrepared August 9, 2017 (5:39 pm)

      Totally agree about CCP.   I do.  You never know.  

    • Peter August 9, 2017 (9:44 pm)

      I’m glad I’m not such a coward that I can’t feel secure without a gun.

  • JanS August 9, 2017 (12:47 am)

    good grief , people. It’s all hearsay, and Lisa Herbold being at fault is ludicrous. Lighten up. Or perhaps run yourself next time  it comes up. And no  kind words for the victim (yes, there’s a victim !) We do not know if this was Ryan Cox or not. He is mentally ill, and the courts have allowed him out time and time again. He needs help.  Our system is not set up to help the mentally ill, and prevent them from hurting themselves or others. It’s a priority for this country, and no one is paying attention and doing anything about it, as we escalate to whatever may happen in the near future on a national Scale.

    I do hope that the victim recovers from this, and that you all and  the rest of the community do what you/they can to help him heal from this horrible event.

    • CherylR August 9, 2017 (7:32 am)

      Thank you JanS for being a voice of reason!

      Armchair diagnosis and conjecture is NOT helpful. Someone was badly hurt (and needs our compassion, prayers, thoughts), and someone else needs serious mental health care.

      If it was indeed Ryan Cox who was involved, he needs our compassion too. And if you can’t manage that, then at least have some compassion for his family — who are (or at least were) long time West Seattle residents.

      Imagine how hard it is for THEM to see that their son might be involved in yet another violent crime.

      And if you can’t put yourself in THEIR shoes, if you can’t take one moment to see how your comments in a public forum might be hurting others, then maybe you should be examining your own mental health status.

      • SureShot August 9, 2017 (7:59 am)

        Wait, you at this moment are asking for compassion for Ryan Cox (if it was indeed him that committed the crime)?

        And this, my friend, is why the mental health crisis will never be solved.

        • Katherine August 9, 2017 (12:25 pm)

          What is wrong with asking for compassion? It’s not the same thing as suggesting he shouldn’t face consequences. But punishment without treatment helps no one, and this horrifying incident would seem to be an example of that.

          • MMM August 9, 2017 (11:48 pm)

            “Compassion” led to the relaxation of laws that kept the truly insane in custody and treatment.  Now they’re all around us.  

      • Sna August 9, 2017 (8:43 am)

        Maybe I’m just coldhearted, but I’m having a hard time feeling compassion for the suspect in this case.  As for armchair diagnosis, it goes both ways.  We can’t just diagnos his mental illness as an excuse for this act.   Maybe he was on drugs, drunk, or just evil.  If he’s really that sick, he should be involuntary committed.  If he’s not, he should be in jail. 

        • mehud August 9, 2017 (9:21 am)

          Agreed, mentally ill or not Ryan Cox must never walk our streets again. M- I am so sorry that this happened to you father and family. Please let the community know of your needs.

      • M August 9, 2017 (8:59 am)

        I draw the line of compassion at the man almost murdered a father with a knife a block away from my house. May he receive all the compassion he needs from a federal penitentiary, because he no longer deserves it from our community. 

        • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (9:27 am)

          I agree. He’s been acting illegally in our neighborhood for a decade. Time to be off the street for good. He never should have been out to commit this crime.

        • Jason August 9, 2017 (11:14 am)

          I couldn’t agree more.  I know the victim and you’re not going to find a better guy. 

    • s August 9, 2017 (10:05 am)

      JanS — this is so true.  If you follow the WSB links to the 2014 article, it was advised that he not be released.  He’s been in and out of state mental facilities.  Our state has failed his victim and himself.  It’s so messed up.

  • Danielle August 9, 2017 (2:45 am)

    Hello-   I am the wife of the man who was stabbed.  He is in surgery and I am reading the blog because my kids and I were asleep when this happened.  I am trying to piece it together. I am forever grateful to those who called the police.  You certainly saved his life by calling for help asap.  Very grateful.

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (7:17 am)

      Danielle, thank you for the update.

      As of right now (7:15 am) there is still no new official information from SPD or anyone else. – TR

    • Leslie August 9, 2017 (7:22 am)

      Danielle, I am praying for your husband and your family. 

    • S August 9, 2017 (7:29 am)

      Praying for you and your husband. 

    • Alki Resident August 9, 2017 (7:39 am)

      Oh Danielle

      After I went home it took me a couple hours to process what I saw and I finally just cried. I prayed so hard that he makes it. I’m so sorry this happened. The whole community is here if you need it. Please update when you can.

    • CherylR August 9, 2017 (7:40 am)

      Thinking of you and your family Danielle. ❤️

    • John August 9, 2017 (8:41 am)

      Danielle, lots of good vibes for you and your family. Sending lots of healing energy towards your husband. I’m very glad that he’s okay and was close to Harborview. He’s in good hands there. I hope he has a quick recovery and the man who did this has the book thrown at him as hard as possible. 

    • Rene August 9, 2017 (12:23 pm)

      Any updates Danielle. We love you guys so much. I can’t believe this.  

    • Brian and Adie August 9, 2017 (5:15 pm)

      Danielle, we are so sorry to hear this.  You guys are in our thoughts and prayers and we’re here to help in any way we can!

    • Terry August 9, 2017 (6:17 pm)

      Danielle, we can’t believe this happened. And we’re so glad someone was there to help and call for help. You are such a sweet family. We hope he is going to be ok. We are here also to help in any way we can!

    • Jami Vaux August 9, 2017 (9:49 pm)

      Prayers for your family. So sorry this happened.

    • Nick Hall August 10, 2017 (3:30 pm)

      Hello Danielle,

      my name is Nick Hall. I have been checking this blog because I was pulling for your husband to make it. I arrived to find him almost unconscious; I and a little Asian lady made

      him fight to keep breathing. I want you to know he listened and is truly a fighter. be proud.

      • TA August 10, 2017 (9:04 pm)

        Thank you Nick.  I am the victim’s sister.  I know he is so appreciative of you and the other kind souls that came to his aid that night.  Thank you for being there and helping save his life.  

    • msmerlin August 11, 2017 (11:15 am)

      So sorry for all you have been forced to go through.  Ryan Cox needs to be incarcerated for life.

  • M August 9, 2017 (6:28 am)

    I saw him screaming at people on California near Cafe Ladro last week and being very aggressive. I hope they put him away for good. 

  • Morgan August 9, 2017 (6:29 am)

    I’ve witnessed a man sleeping out in gatewood’s garden area, and I don’t know if it’s directly connected. As a comment on policing policy in general, if you don’t aggressively meet head on the breaker window quality of life small social ills stuff, I think larger crimes tend to follow in the same area. We can offer more mental health services as a City and not be afraid to aggressively pursue individuals who are harassing residents for weeks….not exclusive things and we must do both

  • Ajwren August 9, 2017 (7:30 am)

    Danielle – sending prayers and positive thoughts your way. I wish the best for your husband and family. 

  • WSMom August 9, 2017 (8:02 am)

    Danielle I’m thinking of your family and I hope your husband pulls through.  Is there a gofundme to help?

  • Kersti August 9, 2017 (8:03 am)

    I have seen this man several times in Lincoln Park while doing research near North play and bbq areas.

    He is always yelling/repeating a verse of some fabricated song about homosexuals. It is a very hateful and purposeful verse.

    I thought to record him in case he ever did something (completely unaware of this person’s history) but fear of him noticing and retaliating was prohibitive, ultimately.

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (8:11 am)

      Police have just released some info – we’ve added it above. They say both victim and suspect remain at Harborview (with whom we are also checking directly).

  • HelperMonkey August 9, 2017 (8:29 am)

    The Herald has a pic of the suspect in their very brief article and it looks like it is Ryan Cox based on the other photos I’ve seen here. 

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (8:41 am)

      SPD has just confirmed to me by phone that the suspect is Ryan Cox. We would usually not identify a suspect until they are charged but this is an unusual situation. More to come.

      • Boats August 9, 2017 (12:14 pm)

        What makes it unusual?

        • MMM August 9, 2017 (11:49 pm)

          The fact that the same man has been terrorizing people in the neighborhood for a decade?

  • Samuella Samaniego August 9, 2017 (8:42 am)

    Danielle, my name is Samuella (Sam). I happened to just be driving by and saw him on the ground. I tended your spouse before the police and medics arrived. The first police checked in briefly and as more arrived they took control of the scene. I did the obvious things one is supposed to do with such extensive wounds. As I yelled asking he stay with me he fought with all his soul as I asked his name and managed to stay with eye contact as much as he could.

    You have not been alone. As much as a stranger can place her heart and mind next to another’s, I have thought of nothing else but him and now you. The Harborview ER social worker has my contact info, I spoke with “Amy” at about 2 a.m. this morning. If you need to call, there is nothing more important than your family for me today. 

    • Guy Olson August 9, 2017 (9:10 am)

      Thank you for helping him.

    • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (9:57 am)

      Thanks Sam!

    • Lytepipe August 9, 2017 (10:48 am)

      Thank you for your action and compassion, Sam. You are truly a good samaritan and the kind of neighbor we all hope to have in a dire and tragic circumstance. I hope you can manage to heal from the horror you witnessed and find peace.

    • WSprayers August 9, 2017 (11:11 am)

      Thank God for you-u could have kept driving but you didn’t-this man may still be alive because of u-

    • TA August 9, 2017 (2:47 pm)

      Sam- thank you for helping save my brother’s life.  His wife, children and family are forever grateful.

      Thank you for finding strength in your soul to assist him. My prayers also go out to you today for peace and comfort knowing you aided a father, husband, son and brother that is loved by many.

      • Leslie August 9, 2017 (3:57 pm)

        TA & Danielle,

        i would like to help where I can. I am working to set up a neighborhood watch for future? But please let us know as a community how we can assist your family during this time. Bringing meals, taking care of house work-laundry, cleaning, yard work, etc. 

        • TA August 9, 2017 (7:48 pm)

          Leslie,

          Thank you for the offer to help. We will post here with any updates on needs.  I don’t live in Washington but am visiting with Danielle about where support might be helpful for the family.  We are so grateful for the outpouring of support from the community.

    • Earlybird August 9, 2017 (3:09 pm)

      Samuella, thank you so much for being a good neighbor in a tough situation. It’s comforting to know there are neighbors like you in our community.

      Danielle, your husband and family are in my prayers. I’m glad he is ok and hope he recovers quickly. 

    • Jennifer August 9, 2017 (5:15 pm)

      Sam thank you so much for being an angel on earth to my dear friend. You saved his life and I know I’m not alone in saying I’ll be forever grateful for you. 

    • Steve August 9, 2017 (9:57 pm)

      Samuella-

      Thank you for saving my friend.  You are truly an angel on earth. 

  • TJ August 9, 2017 (9:05 am)

    Really terrible situation. I do not know of this Ryan Cox like so many others somehow seem to, but these type of people need to disappear. And any “compassion” talk needs to be directed towards us, the people paying the crazy taxes in this city, not the zombies roaming around. I hate to guess what happened here at this point, but it would be tragic if the victim stood up to this Cox guy when obviously it sounds like he has been verbally assaulting people for awhile in that vicinity without consequence.

    • Kevin August 9, 2017 (9:38 am)

      I agree TJ.  I think we as a community need to have zero tolerance for erratic violently mentally ill behavior in our neighborhood.  I, like many others, have been complacent by crossing the street and doing nothing.  If more of us call the police and follow through when someone is acting violent, it is a start.  Even this morning 9:00 a.m., at the bus stop at 35th and Avalon east side of street across from Aura apartments  white male, bearded, ear-to-shoulder length hair launching a crazy tirade at passengers going by.  Hard for anyone to do much about it passing through on their way to work; the tragedy of the commons.  

      • KM August 9, 2017 (10:25 am)

        I’ve been in a similar situation in the Junction recently, on the way to work, and called 911 after trying the non-emergency line and being on hold for 4-5 minutes. Of course, not sure of the outcome since I was on my way somewhere (nor was it safe for me to stay near the person causing alarm), but I think it’s important they have these incidents documented somewhere.

        • WSB August 9, 2017 (10:39 am)

          If it’s happening NOW, whatever it is, call 911, don’t bother with the non-emergency number. Police re-state that repeatedly at every community meeting. “Emergency” doesn’t mean it has to be “life-threatening” emergency.

  • zephyr August 9, 2017 (9:19 am)

    Thank you Samuella for your courage and your deep compassion.  You are a true hero.  Your response is very inspiring to us.  Such strength and level-headedness is much appreciated in our community.  

  • Alkiobserver August 9, 2017 (9:20 am)

    Sending lots of prayers and love to you, your husband and your family Danielle. I am so sorry and angry that this has happened to him. I pray for his full recovery and that you are all able to find your way through this nightmare. I cannot imagine how hard and scary all of this is for you. I too pray for Ryan Cox who is trapped in his lunatic world and should not be out on the streets. Our courts and mental health system have failed him and us. He needs to be institutionalized permanently. His behavior is only getting worse and more violent.  Sadly he has proven time and time again he is incapable of living freely among society without seriously offending others through his actions and words. His family has suffered so much. Getting him into a locked facility where he and society would be safe would be the best solution and would finally offer everyone a measure of peace of mind.

  • Stacy D Brady August 9, 2017 (9:29 am)

    I am saddened and deeply deeply disturbed by this incident so close to my home.  I am sending healing thoughts to Danielle and her family.  I am trying very hard not to be bitter at our failing system, our police and court system.  This was a tragedy waiting to happen that could have been prevented.

  • Joanne Brayden August 9, 2017 (9:38 am)

    I am reading this with tears running down my face.. tears for the victim and his family.. tears for the person who stopped to help.. tears for us as we face our own fears of random attacks.. tears for the mentally ill who have so few choices that roaming our city streets looks good to them… tears for us all.

  • Heatherb August 9, 2017 (9:47 am)

    Please just keep this man and his family in your thoughts and prayers today. I have know the victim and his family for some years now and he has two young kids at home. Still in shock that this happened to someone I know and in my neighborhood

  • MJ August 9, 2017 (9:53 am)

    I looked through the old posts, but couldn’t find a photo of Ryan Cox.  Could someone repost a link to where there is a photo.  THX.

  • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (9:54 am)

    I  just wanted to echo everyone else’s sentiments. Danielle and your kids, I hope your husband and father heals quickly and is back home with you soon.

  • Neighbor August 9, 2017 (10:10 am)

    Danielle- when it’s right, and your able to catch a breath, please let your West Seattle community know how we can best help you and your family. Be it help with the medical bills, help with funding the time you all need to recover or even mowing your lawn. Let us know!  Let us surround you all in Light!

  • M August 9, 2017 (10:34 am)

    Do you have a picture of him for us to be aware of what he looks like?  

  • me on 28th Ave SW August 9, 2017 (10:45 am)

    It’s disheartening to read that way back in comments after the first Ryan Cox posting in December 2009,  readers were concerned about him escalating his attacks and it did happen, slowly and surely in the intervening eight years.

    Prayers for Danielle’s family as what happened to you is inexcusable, and frankly, a nightmare. Prayers for Ryan’s family because, I am sure, they have been helplessly watching show motion tragedy unfold, as well.  There is very little a family can do to control an adult, with laws as they currently stand.        : (

  • Jason August 9, 2017 (10:53 am)

    I know the man who was stabbed and his family.  Words can’t express how grateful I am that he will survive.  He is a great, hard working, family man and coach with a positive outlook on life who truly understands how fortunate he is to have his wonderful wife and really cool kids.  I know he will recover from this random act of violence. 

    As for the lunatic who did this to him, Judges and prosecutors, please lock him up for good.  I don’t care if it’s a jail or an institution.  The rest of us need to be safe to live peaceful lives free from whatever evil torments him.  No one needs to suffer as a results of his actions in the future.      

  • California Ave Rez August 9, 2017 (10:55 am)

    I hope for good news from Danielle regarding her husband’s surgery.  I live three doors down from the Church where this took place and have seen this white Land Rover drive up and down California Ave many times.  I pray the victim recovers fully.  Ryan Cox has been tormenting our neighborhood far too long.  I called the police this winter after he screamed anti-gay pro-hate slurs for hours on end one night.  That night my daughter asked me if we lived in a safe place.  Sadly now that a stabbing has occurred on my front stoop I can’t help but feel like I lied to her when I told her yes. The police/courts have not done enough to protect our community from this man.  THIS IS ON THEM.  Very sad. My heart and prayers go out to the victim and their entire family.  West Seattle can be a great community, we must come together in times like this.

  • AC August 9, 2017 (11:23 am)

    Danielle and children, sending my prayers to you and your husband and father. As a mother of two young children, I am deeply moved by the nightmare you woke up to late last night. I will be checking back often for updates on any ways the community can help you and your family. 

  • Scott August 9, 2017 (11:40 am)

    This is a photo I took of him as he was yelling anti gay rhetoric at my house and peeing on the neighbors house. I called the police two weeks ago as it was happening and emailed the WSB. Mentally unstable is not a good enough reason to keep him on the streets. 

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (12:00 pm)

      I didn’t recognize him as Ryan Cox, and as mentioned, he hasn’t shown up in the system for the past few years. I don’t know if it was you or someone mentioning the shirtless shouting-at-cars guy, to whom I suggested contacting the Community Policing Team, which is tasked with dealing with recurring problems that aren’t necessarily crimes. Beyond that now, but it’s another reason we suggest attendance at the Crime Prevention Council meetings … it was 2014 when, as detailed in this report, he was brought up at a CPC meeting – which coincidentally had a guest from the city Mental Health Court – and during the discussion, we looked up his status in the system and discovered an arrest warrant, and brought that to the attention of authorities at the meeting. He was taken into custody the next day. – TR

      • WSprayers August 9, 2017 (12:28 pm)

        I often see post encouraging people to attend these meetings or emailing/contacting legislators policy people ect. But it seems this was all done years ago from people in the community-and this guy STILL was on the lose esculating until what community members feard became reality-I don’t know what else can be done u also mentioned there are a high number of calls of mental crisis these days-all kinds of mentally unstable people screaming around in the streets-kinda feels like a horror movie….I’m just coming out of shock from being in denial that west Seattle is that unsafe….but it is. Not to mention the increasing gang activity plus gun violence-it’s so messed up its esculating and it seems we can’t stop it

        • WSB August 9, 2017 (12:36 pm)

          Unless it happened at one of the few meetings we didn’t cover, he hasn’t been brought up in a couple years. Maybe he left the area for a while; maybe he was on his meds (his mother introduced herself to me at a community event years ago and said that when he is on his meds, he’s an entirely different person). If there are chronic community concerns for crime/safety, send a neighborhood rep to the WSCPC. Including bringing it up if you’ve been calling 911 and not getting responses. That’s why I mention it. Third Tuesdays, 7 pm. Next meeting next month (most volunteer community groups take an August break). I should also mention that if you have questions about what different precinct teams might be able to help with, Crime Prevention Coordinator Jennifer Burbridge could be a resource too – jennifer.burbridge@seattle.gov – TR

        • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (12:39 pm)

          I agree. Less meetings, more action!

          • WSB August 9, 2017 (12:52 pm)

            And action RESULTS from people visibly and repeatedly bringing things up … like it or not, that’s the way it works, whether it should or shouldn’t, and that’s why *I* bring it up repeatedly.

          • WSprayers August 9, 2017 (9:10 pm)

            I too do respect the blog appreciate your posts-I apologize just seems like a lot of people have reported an gone to these meetings and still this guy was on the street again. It’s sad ,scary, and frustrating. I get it tho-there is a place for people to be heard be educated and influence the “powers that be” if we want change -honestly seems overwhelming to me-homeless crisis-mental health crisis and drug epidemic-our systems are failing and if we want change we need to get involved thank u for directing us in the right direction-the block watch idea is a good one too-good for our eyes be open and report suspicious behavior-praying more ideas and solutions come and change happens in our sysytems

          • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (8:10 pm)

            I agree TR. i just mean after we talk about something for 5 or 10 years it’s high time to move on from talking to acting. Ryan is just one example, homeless is another, and so on. That’s all I meant. Not criticizing your plea for people to get involved. I was replying to wsprayers at the same time as you but you hit send before I did so it looks like I was replying to you. Thanks for your coverage on this tragic incident.

  • coffeedude August 9, 2017 (11:48 am)

    I believe this man needs to be committed for life.  How much more do we have to put up with him?

  • Mark August 9, 2017 (12:01 pm)

    I was assaulted two and half weeks ago at my house, the police did not arrest the person.  Still waiting on Prosecutor to charge the person.  I sustained a black eye, cuts and bruises, the purp tried to poke my eye out!

    Enough cuddling its time for some tough justice!

  • Shebarue August 9, 2017 (1:25 pm)

    This happened right in front of my church, Westside Unitarian Universalist. I’m shaken and deeply concerned  – what if he’d entered during a church service? We have many GLBTQ members and friends.  I was in the pulpit on Sunday and would have done whatever was needed to stop him, but it’s a horrible thing to consider. This man has been a recurring serious threat in this community and needs to be kept off the streets. But there’s nothing except jail for violent mentally ill people and clearly that’s not working. The legal system is not meant to substitute for long-term mental health custodial treatment. My thoughts and prayers are with the victim and his family. All this brokenness.

  • Mara August 9, 2017 (1:26 pm)

    I am a close friend of the victim and his family. I just left the hospital, and he is going to be okay. His family is grateful for all the support. 

    Thank you for the good Samaritan who stopped to help our friend last night. He is a father of two small children, a husband , a friend, and a long time West Seattlelite. He would of stopped, just as you did,  to help someone who was in need, so sincerely, thank you.  

    As a small community, lets pull together to ensure West Seattle remains a safe place to live.

    Peace, love and hope for a better tomorrow.

    • WSB August 9, 2017 (1:55 pm)

      Thank you, Mara! Without the victim’s name, I couldn’t get his condition from Harborview, so I was hoping we would hear from friends and/or family.

  • Momandwife August 9, 2017 (1:50 pm)

    My husband was biking home from work around 7 pm and saw a man yelling in the street at a C line bus (bus was not stopped at a bus stop, just in the middle of the road) near the intersection of Graham St. and California Ave. (near The Bridge). My husband said it was quite a scene and traffic was backed way up the street. Has there been any mention of this and if it could be the same person?

    • Deftones Own August 9, 2017 (2:29 pm)

      I was on this bus around 7. Several guys got on at the Easy Street stop with a guitar and drumsticks. The guy playing the guitar was apparently too loud for one other individual and they started fighting right on the bus, compete with homosexual slurs. At that point the bus driver stopped infront of Whiskey West and kicked them off, the guy yelling gay slurs continued to make a scene. When I heard about this stabbing  I wondered if it was related. 

  • Kat August 9, 2017 (2:44 pm)

    I’m not from Seattle or Washington State so the only history I have is from friends who are native Washingtonians.  It is my understanding, that many of the homeless are indeed mentally unstable and this has been an issue for years.  How many innocent citizens have to be harmed or die at the hands of the mentally challenged before this state decides to do something and place them where they can get help or if beyond help, be of no harm to themselves or others.  Do you remember the people shot at the restaurant, then the crazy man went to the parking lot east of I5 downtown and shot and killed the child, wife, mom only to find his way to West Seattle and shoot himself in the street?  People died because there is nothing in place to ensure those not stable are placed where they can receive help and be of no harm.  

    This city faces a huge homeless population.  The 2 easiest to fix?  1. Help the mentally unstable and place them in care, and 2. Help the working poor who can no longer afford the cost of living in Seattle but yet may rely solely on public transportation. 

    It’s a start…

    Last but not least… thank you to the person who didn’t turn their head and walk away but instead helped this son, husband, father, uncle, friend.  Prayers for him and his family for a speedy physical and mental recovery.  

  • Lauren August 9, 2017 (3:14 pm)

    Oh my God. What does it take? 

    One of my best friends was stabbed to death by an untreated mentally ill stranger  in Seattle 10 years ago.  There were warning signs all over the place. He’d been incarcerated multiple times. He told his parole officer he was thinking of killing someone. Authorities did not take sufficient action, not even close.

    Ryan Cox has been a ticking time bomb in our neighborhoods with a red  flashing warning sign for YEARS. It was only a matter of time before this happened. I’m heartbroken and praying for Danielle’s husband and so saddened this occurred in our lovely Gatewood neighborhood. But I am also PISSED OFF and we should all be. 

    • Wsrez August 9, 2017 (4:05 pm)

      Well said. 

      I’m thinking Danielle and her family may have a good case against the city.

    • LAintheJunction August 9, 2017 (9:18 pm)

      Lauren, if your friend was Shannon she was my friend too. I’m also sad and pissed off, and know that we can do better as a city. Until that day, I wish you and Shannon’s family some peace. 

      • Lauren August 9, 2017 (9:38 pm)

        Peace to you too, @LAintheJunction.

      • Emily August 11, 2017 (3:19 pm)

        Thankfully, James Anthony Williams is still in Stafford Correctional Center but people should watch for his patrol dates…

  • Samuella Samaniego August 9, 2017 (3:44 pm)

    Mara or Danielle, thank you for writing here. My spouse informed me earlier of your post.

    Should he ever ask…yes a dark stranger did look him deeply into his eyes to say ‘i do not know you but i love you’ . Hollering into his face to ‘stay with me’ and otherwise trying to deal with his wounds, i knew it physically hurt him as I  handled him. It broke my heart to hurt him.

    Please feel free to tell him i am a gay woman. Much love and peace always to you, his family and all his loved ones. Thank you again for writing. You have no idea the weight you have lifted from my entire being. Thank you.

    • Alki Resident August 9, 2017 (3:58 pm)

      Samuella, I was the lady that showed up with towels. I heard you yell “stay with us” and shook him pretty good. My guess is between him being out of it and do badly damaged, you didn’t hurt him. I wondered it myself. As I looked around for answers to this tragedy, what I came to realize was how so so many people came out to not only see what was going on but everyone was genuinely concerned and worried for the victim. As of this afternoon, finding out he’s going to make it, I can’t even to begin to express my relief and gratefulness to everyone who helped and to the miracle doctors at Harborview. I honestly thought he wasn’t going to make it. Thank you for doing your part last nite Samuella.

      • TA August 9, 2017 (8:41 pm)

        Samuella and Alki Resident:  I don’t have many words right now other than to express sincere gratitude through tears.  I can not imagine how traumatizing this was for both of you as well.   Thank you for being with my brother in his time of dire need and saving his life.  His family is forever grateful.

      • Dad August 12, 2017 (1:59 pm)

        Sam & alki res /p>

        from the bottom of my heart, thank you for answering my sons need for help. He is looking forward to meeting in person. As of today he is out of ICU and in the trauma care ward. Doing as well as can expected given multiple stab wounds, collapsed lung, artery damage. He will recover!! Thanks again

    • Jason August 9, 2017 (4:08 pm)

      Sam, I am friends with the man you helped save last night.  He is a generous, kind, supportive and appreciative husband, father and friend.  The kind of guy anyone would want as a neighbor. 

      This weekend he was telling me about a movie he just saw.  The thing the impressed him the most in the movie was how the main character overcame his own issues then worked to find and help others who were facing the same issues.  He was really impressed with the ability to look beyond ones self to help others.

      You saved a good man last night.

      Thank you.  

      • Alki resident August 9, 2017 (6:49 pm)

        Jason

        Can you or someone close to the family please start a GoFundMe or YouCare fund so we can start helping this family? I’m ready to give.

  • Leslie August 9, 2017 (4:07 pm)

    Just wanted to share with the local residents around the area, I am working with SPD to start a neighborhood watch. Be on the lookout for more info to come. Unfortunately it may be thru flyers I pass out in the community, but I am looking forward to building the community up and bringing an opportunity for us to support each other to keep it as safe as we can by reporting ALL suspicious activity. 

  • flimflam August 9, 2017 (4:56 pm)

    equal enforcement of our laws and a basic sense of what is acceptable public behavior has been lost around this city. the fact that someone was scoldy and worried about being compassionate towards this guy is mind boggling.

     

    this city has really let its citizens down over the last 5-10 years, allowing all sorts of crimes and behavior go unchecked simply because the perp is homeless. this can’t continue. 

  • Sweet pea August 9, 2017 (5:09 pm)

    I am a close friend of the victims family.  Not only am I horrified that this has happened to him, but I have recently learned that another one of my friends was at the scene at the same time prior to the stabbing.  She was being blocked by the suspect (he was standing in the street by the church) while he was yelling and approached her.  My friend waved for her to move on while he stayed, rolled down his window and that’s when the attack occurred.  Very sad and disturbed by this incident.  

  • Frank August 9, 2017 (5:15 pm)
    Thanks Lauren and Sam.  Danielle, I’m so glad your husband is making positive progress.

    It would have been nice to have seen Ms. Herbold chime in here somewhere.   Perhaps she’s just too busy crafting additional, soon-to-be-released, “victim’s of police” legislation, committees, etc.    

    Folks, I want you to think back to the woman that cops had to, sadly, use lethal force on (shoot and kill) when she pulled a knife and attacked them.  Now replay last night’s incident and you’re the victim.  If I have a Seattle cop there, I want him/her taking that guy out (not taking the chance of missing with a taser).   Can you admit that if someone is coming at you with a knife that you would  want your life fully protected?  Should an officer not protect HIS or HER own life in such an event?  I both love and hate my city.  When it comes to Seattle city officials, their lack of cop support disgusts me because it sends a terrible message to the people that will do us harm.   Enforce the laws, protect our community and keep criminals behind bars.   

    • This August 9, 2017 (5:57 pm)

      Excellent point Frank. Lisa Herbold and others used that incident to further their own political agendas against SPD. If SPD was better supported these people wouldn’t be terrorizing our neighborhoods. But they aren’t. You can thank Kwshama, Lisa Herbold, Pete Holmes, Mayor Murray, Lisa Daugaard and Lorena Gonzales. 

      • TheWiserOne August 10, 2017 (12:18 am)

        If SPD would stop abusing their authority, using their badges to hurt and kill people then police would get more support .  Have you had your head stuck in the sand. Police are killing people all the time and not being held accountable as they should be. Why don’t you look on change.org and see the petition that Police chiefs around the US are asking for signatures because Trump is inciting violence and supporting police that are violating people’s rights. Not all people who have committed a crime are truly criminals. Have you jaywalked? Lit a candle at a bus stop! Or a cigarette at a bus stop…all crimes, should people be jailed for it at $50,000+ of our tax dollars? 

        • Cindy A Jensen August 10, 2017 (8:49 am)

          I would like to know when the was the last time you had a conversation with a police officer. Until you do that, you have no right to point a finger and make baseless accusations and generalizations about SPD. The website you mentioned is funded by George Soros. He is an individual whose vested interest is bringing our country to ruin. A suggestion would be for more unbiased research be done before making broad and unwarranted accusations against SPD.

    • TheWiserOne August 10, 2017 (12:10 am)

      The police who killed Charleena Lyles did not have sufficient training to deal with de-escalation or anyone mentally ill. I used to live where they killed her and the police often took the wrong approach to any call. Out of several interactions with police in the neighborhood as a witness or a caller for property damage, I only had one positive experience with one officer from that entire precinct my 2 years living there. So you cannot compare this crime. There is no proof beyond word of police officers and we KNOW  well some police officers lie to save their own. No officer in their years of training even let’s anyone’s get near a knife to pick up while talking to any person ever. Obviously you’ve never had to call the police in times of heated argument or issue or from a break in, which is all emotionally taxing. Her mental state had nothing to do with SPD not being well trained officers. And actually Solid Ground is doing nothing to hold their tenants there accountable for getting the people mental health help, having enough qualified case managers and 24/7 staff around and security is haphazardly in existence. When you take away a freedom from another, you take away a freedom from yourself.

      • Emily August 11, 2017 (3:25 pm)

        Not true… a kitchen is fully of knives and I have had an officer in my home after vandalism and we stood right next to my knife block… He is a decorated officer with years of training. If I had pulled a knife on him I know he would have shot me and I would understand why.

  • WSGirl August 9, 2017 (7:58 pm)

    I have had no encounters with Mr. Cox, but I’ve read lots of accounts about him.  I feel so badly for everyone involved and hope for a full recovery for the victim.  Many thanks to all who came to his assistance.  I grew up with mental illness in my immediate family and there were many sleepless and fearful nights when we didn’t know what would happen.  There is too little attention given to the mentally ill.  What does it take to address this problem?  The constant relocation of homeless is not an answer. 

  • mark August 10, 2017 (6:36 am)

    My wife and I were on the C Line heading south on California around 7pm on the evening this happened, there was a guy on the back of the bus shouting obscenities and making threats. When it evolved into a physical altercation with at least one other rider I called 911 and reported what was happening. The bus pulled over and we got off, fearing for our safety, and got on another bus that was just pulling up to the stop. I then got a call from an SPD officer. The officer asked if there was still a fight, I told him it appeared there was no longer a physical fight, just shouting. He then asked whether I thought they needed to come to the location. I said something to the effect of “well if you don’t come now you’ll be coming later to get this guy.” I don’t know for sure that this was the same guy involved in the stabbing 2 hours later but I have a feeling it was. I guess SPD’s criteria for action is whether or not there is an ongoing physical altercation. I wish SPD would be more agressive in addressing all the threatening and potentially dangerous psychotics that are wandering the streets.

  • Jason August 10, 2017 (4:35 pm)

    A GoFundMe page has been set up to help the family through this very difficult time.

    They are touched by all the love and support. 

    https://www.gofundme.com/heeter-family-healing-fund 

    • WSB August 10, 2017 (4:36 pm)

      That will be atop the followup that I am publishing in a couple minutes – thank you.

  • Vanessa@CareAtHomeSeattle.com August 10, 2017 (5:45 pm)

    I dont understand why Cox is alive. 

    I pray hard and fast for the recovery and healing for Mr. Heeter, his family and friends.

Sorry, comment time is over.