Jogger-attack suspect Duane Starkenburg back in jail

The West Seattle man waiting to stand trial in connection with allegedly sexually motivated attacks on joggers is back in jail, in connection with a different investigation. We have been working since Friday night to get details on what put Gatewood resident Duane Starkenburg back in jail Friday morning, with the King County Jail Register noting “investigation of child rape.” Police could only tell us that night that there were no new incidents of sexual assault under investigation in the area. Sources subsequently told WSB the investigation apparently involved a past allegation, and the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has just answered the inquiry we sent first thing this morning.

Without going into details that could give clues to the victim’s identity, we will say that probable-cause documents indicate this incident is alleged to have happened about 10 years ago, when the victim was 9 years old (the statute of limitations, we’re told, wouldn’t run out for another 8 years), and that Starkenburg was known to the victim’s family. Starkenburg’s bail is set at $100,000, after a judge found probable cause to keep him in jail pending a charging decision; KCPAO spokesperson Dan Donohoe says they will decide by tomorrow whether to file charges. (We do not usually name suspects before they are charged, but we do evaluate on a case-by-case basis.) Starkenburg is still awaiting trial on the charges filed against him in January for allegedly attacking three female runners/joggers in the Lincoln Park area; he was last in court earlier this month, at which time the case was pushed back another two months, with the trial now tentatively scheduled for November, though court documents indicate that possible plea-bargain “negotiations” had been a factor.

11 Replies to "Jogger-attack suspect Duane Starkenburg back in jail"

  • WSRes September 26, 2011 (2:30 pm)

    This shows why it is soooooo important to report this kind of thing to the police. This has escalated from a case in which the victim had to be convinced to summon the police, to three cases of indecent liberties, and now to child rape. I would put my money on the fact that there are probably several more victims out there also.

  • CandrewB September 26, 2011 (2:40 pm)

    Great, now we get to take care of him. Thanks Mr & Mrs Starkenburg.

  • Jo September 26, 2011 (2:58 pm)

    I hardly think blaming his parents is helpful. I know they live in the area and it must be very hard for them also. Having a child, no matter what age, commit a crime can destroy a family. Unless you know the circumstances, heaping guilt on them is cruel.

  • CandrewB September 26, 2011 (3:44 pm)

    Jo, if you read some of the past reports on Duane, you will see quotes from his parents that it was all a misunderstanding and that everyone is out to get him. I stand by my words.

  • Beth September 26, 2011 (4:51 pm)

    Oh, here we go again! WSRes hit the nail on the head; or should it be hitting the head with a nail. Either way, it’s critical to document. Now…can we get this POS off the streets?

  • agreed September 26, 2011 (7:50 pm)

    Glad he is off the streets. He is an adult and his parents shouldn’t be blamed. In previous articles via the blog it was noted that their daughter was viciously murdered by her x-boyfriend. They have probably suffered enough pain in their lives.

  • Guy September 26, 2011 (9:09 pm)

    What a creep!! And I did read his mothers account of the deal. What a monster!

  • anotherthing September 26, 2011 (10:26 pm)

    If this guy drives a white pick-up truck I saw him at Westwood Village watching women. He looked JUST like him and had a baseball cap on – he was backed in the wrong way into a stall facing Marshall’s and Jamba Juice. Young girls from Chief Sealth (?) were walking by along the sidewalk between Marshall’s and Jamba juice and he was watching them. His car was on but he wasn’t going anywhere. I was 4 cars over (parked headlights in – the right way) and he kept nervously looking over at me. I tried to watch to see what he was up to because clearly something was ‘off’. I almost called the police but I knew there was really no probably cause – he was parked in a public place, in his own car etc. This was Thursday. I would bet money it was him.

  • higgins September 27, 2011 (8:05 am)

    Ew.

  • TeeTaw September 27, 2011 (8:21 am)

    anotherthing, NEVER hesitate to call the cops, if you see something and your gut tells you something bad could hapen, call them. They could have simply talked to him and asked him what he was doing. Probably would have scared him off.

    However, if this wasn’t Starkenburg, we all should keep a look out for the white truck.

    When is our society ever going to learn that these people DO NOT GET BETTER. They need to go away forever!

  • Westsideresident September 27, 2011 (6:54 pm)

    He was a cool guy when we went to school at Denny back in the day….weird how people turn out.

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