WEST SEATTLE CRIME WATCH: Fugitive wanted on sex-crime charge

At right is David C. Williford, and authorities are looking for him. They didn’t put out a bulletin; we learned of the search after two residents in North Admiral told us state Department of Corrections officers came to a house in their neighborhood with a warrant for his arrest. We contacted the DOC, which confirmed that when officers forcibly entered the house, they discovered a disabled tracking device that he was supposed to be wearing as part of “community custody” (basically our state’s term for parole). A DOC spokesperson could only tell us that Williford is currently wanted on charges of a sex crime involving a relative. Neighbors sent links about a past case outside King County in which he was involved; the DOC spokesperson confirmed his record includes assault and animal cruelty. Though the initial allegations reported in this story are extremely disturbing, it appears from this story that he plea-bargained to some and did not serve much time. We haven’t so far been able to obtain documents on any current or recent cases, though an online docket shows a case number for an unspecified Mason County case last year. Neighbors were given further description information for Williford: 38, 6’4″, bald. If you see or think you’ve seen him, call 911.

Alki resident May 7, 2025 (8:42 pm)

EPIC FAILURE of the justice department to leave this guy in a busy West Seattle neighborhood with a bracelet.

T Rex May 7, 2025 (8:48 pm)

This is a truly disturbing story indeed. Judge me all you want but he should NEVER be allowed out ever again. EVER. I cannot believe he was released with an ankle bracelet, how is this possible ?

WiseWoman May 10, 2025 (1:27 am)

It actually happens a lot. Sadly within family incest or rape etc has never served much time. Various reasons. It is detrimental to the person if under age for sure to the point it is life changing and affects all future things. I have 2 friends that had experienced this kind of trauma in their teens.

Liz F. May 7, 2025 (8:50 pm)

I take issue with how the police handled the immediate aftermath of this situation and want answers. This man raped two children – and tortured animals. Let that sink in. After the suspect fled the home, four officers in two vehicles drove around looking for him for what we think was 30 – 60 min. Here are all the things they didn’t do:

Go door to door and ask neighbors if they had seen anyone and to check backyards.
Provide or circulate a photo of the suspect to help neighbors identify him.
Alert parents of Lafayette Elementary School, which is less than 0.5 miles from where he was.
Likely because of his plea deal, he is not a registered sex offender, so neighbors were never even notified that he was living next door.

T Rex May 8, 2025 (8:23 am)

Liz, I am positive I received a notice about this man, I signed up years ago to get these notifications via King County. I could be wrong but when I saw his picture last night, he looked familiar.

Beyond disturbing May 7, 2025 (8:59 pm)

Thank you for posting this. I heard the police banging on the door for him to open up and later kick the door down. My neighbor saw guns drawn. Everyone should be very alarmed that this person is roaming in our community having cut off his ankle bracelet. He pled to receive a fourth degree assault charge but he raped 5 and 8 year old children. His cruelty to animal charges are very disturbing. Read the attached articles. This person is clearly a sociopath. Time served or not he has violated parole. This is a story that should be picked up by local news and shared with the community. Rob Saka please update us 5/14.

Rachel May 7, 2025 (9:02 pm)

Thank you for alerting us, WSB. This is very disturbing. Does anyone know what SPD is currently doing to pursue him? Why hasn’t SPD alerted the community?

WSB May 7, 2025 (9:29 pm)

Please note, this is NOT an SPD case. This is Department of Corrections (and one of the neighbors who told us about this has at least one DOC officer’s business card). SPD may not even know about this; there’s nothing in King County court records regarding him, and whatever warrant the DOC has isn’t even showing in their warrant lookup.

observer May 7, 2025 (9:05 pm)

What time did all this activity take place?

Saw this happen May 7, 2025 (9:36 pm)

It started at 3:30pm on Monday (5/5).

Jason R. May 7, 2025 (9:11 pm)

We heard from neighbors he fled on foot. Thank you for posting his picture WSB. Double check those doors and windows tonight Admiral!

A N May 7, 2025 (9:13 pm)

It’s so disturbing how different he looks in the three photos (mug shot + the two in the links). Hopefully his distinctive height will give him away.

Natalie May 7, 2025 (9:16 pm)

This is a very serious and concerning situation, especially considering how many young children and innocent animals live in this neighborhood . The community deserves answers from the police as to what happened and how this fugitive is still on the loose.

Saw this happen May 7, 2025 (9:18 pm)

I saw this happen. It is his mother’s house. It was terrifying to see officers with weapons drawn with young children present. And even more terrifying to know that he was here for up to 5 days hiding out and he still hasn’t been caught.

1994 May 7, 2025 (9:26 pm)

The prior crimes in the related articles with links were from 2015, and the sentence was issued in 2016. There must be some new crimes that earned him a tracking device for community custody?

WSB May 7, 2025 (9:34 pm)

That’s what I wasn’t able to find out – as mentioned above, a docket (through statewide search) shows a case from 2024 in Mason County but doesn’t say for what (since it was in Superior Court, that suggests felony) and I haven’t found a source of online Mason Co. court docs so far, so I’ll be inquiring further.
- CAM May 8, 2025 (9:01 am)
  
  Try the Odyssey portal. He was sentenced for an unidentified offense on 4/29. Appears likely he fled.
  - WSB May 8, 2025 (10:51 am)
    
    If that system has open public access to documents, I’m not finding it yet. But inquiring. 99.9 percent of my work involves King County cases and that’s a separate system, as I’m sure you know, which I do have a login for, drawdown account to pay for docs, etc.
    - CAM May 8, 2025 (11:24 am)
      
      It’s a system used by some of the other counties rather than them each developing their own records database. It’s definitely a big pain that in this day and age the state hasn’t found a way yet to consolidate all of this and have a universal system for all courts to make things more reliable and available. (Should have included a link the first time. Sorry.)
      https://odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov/odyportal
    - WSB May 8, 2025 (12:17 pm)
      
      Yeah, found all that, but not how to get document access, have inquired and received a cheery autoreply that perhaps they’ll get back to me within two business days. Carrying on …
    - 1994 May 8, 2025 (8:54 pm)
      
      Your sleuthing is much appreciated! and keeping WS informed is always awesome!!
- Loving Mother May 27, 2025 (11:59 am)
  
  He was convicted of incest with an older woman’s kids he married to more than likely try to prove he wasn’t for young children (as seen/read in prior court documents he tried to have sealed for 100 years in the 2015 rape case). He’s truly a disturbed person who should not be let back out on the streets and you can thank his mother who has a home in Seattle where he was said to be living at. Her continued paying to keep him out of jail/prison has created a true MONSTER!!! Unfortunately those who raise children have major issues to so please stay cautious! Do not trust them around your young and innocent. On a side note I would like to keep my name quiet as I unfortunately do not trust them with being able to speak the truth). I will no matter what share the truth because it needs to be known to keep others safe.

Rachel May 7, 2025 (9:35 pm)

This is incredibly disturbing. What is SPD currently doing to find him and alert the neighborhood? A few months ago, there was a helicopter circling near Morgan junction looking for a fugitive and alerting the neighborhood over a loudspeaker…why was that not done to help apprehend this violent offender? Two police cars searching for less than an hour is negligent and quite frankly outrageous.

Again May 7, 2025 (10:35 pm)

Not a SPD case, this is DOC.
Katrina May 7, 2025 (10:37 pm)

WS Blog commented above that it’s not an SPD case it’s a Dept of Corrections case.

Terrified Neighbor May 7, 2025 (10:36 pm)

So he’s bald now? Not like the mugshot pictured?

Alki resident May 7, 2025 (10:45 pm)

Things to consider: What day did he cut bracelet off? When did DOC realize this and when did he flee? Was he given money for food and bus? Is he squatting in Schmitz Park or broke into another house? He’s very tall so easy to spot..Maybe some neighbors have camera footage of when he slipped out but it was likely from back of house if there’s an alley. I guess he could’ve uber’d too. Uhg

Neighbor May 7, 2025 (11:48 pm)

If I recall from a long-ago encounter, this man is missing a finger. He may be wearing a prosthetic. He came into my store a couple times back in the day. If you look into his crimes over a decade ago, it’s utterly insane. He was the Craigslist pet killer.

Alki resident May 8, 2025 (7:50 am)

His crimes are posted in the link in the story. I knew he looked familiar and now he’s supposedly bald. A danger to society roaming free.
AH May 8, 2025 (8:07 am)

This is very valuable information that I can confirm. He is missing a finger (cut it off himself). Help spread the word

flimflam May 8, 2025 (7:01 am)

I struggle to understand why people like him are even able to plea bargain into “almost no time served” for the heinous crimes he committed.

wscommuter May 8, 2025 (10:19 am)

Knowing absolutely nothing about his case or what jurisdiction it was brought in, I can share that plea deals happen for all sorts of reasons, but typically, especially in child sex cases, if a plea deal happens, it is because the prosecutor has concerns about getting a jury to convict on the proof-beyond-reasonable-doubt standard. Child sex cases are often very difficult to prosecute because usually there is no physical evidence or independent witness. Unfortunately, jurors will often disbelieve the testimony of a young child if that is what the case depends upon. I DO NOT know if that is what happened here, but that dynamic is not uncommon in child sex cases.

Andros May 8, 2025 (8:10 am)

SMH on our justice system. Guy should still be in jail. He’s sick.

AH May 8, 2025 (8:10 am)

This is a dangerous person insulated by privilege. Shame shame shame on his enablers.

Light on May 8, 2025 (8:58 am)

This morning noticed that a light is on in the house that usually isn’t on (and the house is empty). A call was placed at 5:49am to 911 to report it. I received a text message at 6:19am that they were busy with other calls. Haven’t heard or seen anything since then (it’s now 9am).

Alki resident May 8, 2025 (9:24 am)

Report it to DOC. Sounds like Seattle isn’t handling the case.
AJ May 8, 2025 (10:40 am)

Perfect example why we need more SPD officers.
- Amy May 8, 2025 (5:34 pm)
  
  SPD isn’t handling the case.
  - Gozer May 9, 2025 (9:16 am)
    
    Of course not, that would be actually Serving and Protecting the Public.

Susan May 8, 2025 (10:10 am)

I find absolutely nothing surprising about this. Seattle has been insanely lenient on criminals for years, to the detriment of everyone’s safety, security, and sanity. If you look at the map of sex-offenders in our area, you will be horrified. People continuously vote for governing officials who are easy on crime and have no regard for our children, neighborhoods, or businesses. Every time something horrible like this happens, people act shocked and outraged-yet make no connection as to why our city is such a mess. Everyone will back right on WSB commenting on the next outrageous incident… Clearly handing out hugs and sandwiches, and turning a blind eye to the drug addicts, criminals, robberies and outright destruction is not working. The time for tough love and enforcing laws has come and gone. On my morning commute, I passed a man lounging on the sidewalk shooting up. I’m just done, and moving out.

WSB May 8, 2025 (10:42 am)

This man is NOT in the “Seattle” or even King County court system. This is a state Corrections Department (prison and parole) situation and his convictions were in Mason County.
- Gozer May 9, 2025 (9:19 am)
  
  He’s not in any system. He’s loose on the streets and a danger to the Community. SPD, and any other badged agency, should be all over this.
  
  Let’s not pretend that Bolo’s aren’t a thing.
  
  Dogcatcher and Meter Maids should officially be on the lookout, not hearing about him from the Blog.
T Rex May 8, 2025 (1:23 pm)

WELL SAID!

Neighbor May 8, 2025 (11:23 am)

To follow up regarding the comments recommending to call the department of corrections instead of SPD, the DOC officer at the scene stated to call 911 if anything is seen.

Circles May 8, 2025 (3:29 pm)

And was told by SPD to call DOC.

Rhonda May 8, 2025 (2:52 pm)

Infuriating.

Grant May 8, 2025 (4:10 pm)

He sits outside of Jefferson square Safeway with his dog everyday begging for money. He was there two hours ago. I am pretty sure it looks like him. But I could be wrong?

Neighbor May 9, 2025 (7:54 am)

Can you call 911 and report that? It sounds like they have no leads and might appreciate one.

Confused and Concerned May 8, 2025 (5:15 pm)

Seems like kind of a big deal that he’s on the run…why no more updates? Why hasn’t this been picked up by other news outlets? Very confused (and a little worried) at the lack of response.

WSB May 8, 2025 (6:01 pm)

I don’t have any additional info yet.
- Confused and Concerned May 9, 2025 (6:47 am)
  
  Oh, that was not meant to be directed at you, WSB. You’re the only ones who have even reported on it as far as I can tell. (So glad you’re part of our community!) I’m just kind of astounded that there hasn’t been an official announcement from authorities or other news outlets looking into this.
  - 1994 May 9, 2025 (10:05 pm)
    
    The guys disappearance from a West Seattle home and noted chameleon like appearance changes were reported on KIRO TV new this evening. The news piece included video from a court room showing the guy.
    - M May 10, 2025 (10:22 pm)
      
      Do you have a link by any chance? I can’t find it.
- Neighbor May 9, 2025 (7:56 am)
  
  It is concerning not being able to get any more information. We really appreciate you looking into this WSB!
- Confused and Concerned May 9, 2025 (12:52 pm)
  
  To clarify, my comment was not directed at WSB. I’m grateful you brought this to our attention and know you will give us updates as they’re available. I’m just rather surprised that public safety authorities have not made any announcements or given any updates.
  - WSB May 9, 2025 (1:43 pm)
    
    It’s hard to explain this, but there are a variety of people being sought on warrants at any given time, and very few public bulletins about them. We’ve always told law enforcement that more public info is better than less – but the latter continues as the default. And it tends to get worse rather than better – for example, when SPD stopped supporting Tweets by Beat, that made it more difficult for us to match incidents to report numbers, and to quickly browse a given time period to see if anything major had happened. As for this case, the DOC has a warrant-search page, but this person still isn’t turning up there – https://www.doc.wa.gov/information/warrants/default.aspx
WS Res May 9, 2025 (10:23 am)

Have you sent it to other news outlets? WSB has their own reporting to do.
- Beyond disturbing May 9, 2025 (1:10 pm)
  
  I sent a message to Komo and the Seattle Times. I also do t understand lack of response.

Yo May 9, 2025 (6:11 pm)

Is this actually true? I thought the guys charges were dropped? Was he actually released into community custody, and up in seattle? Heard he was released in Mason County. He still stands to face for those crimes?

Sillygoose May 10, 2025 (1:59 pm)

Hopefully a bond can be put on him and bounty hunters can take action.

WS98 May 11, 2025 (11:09 am)

Curious to know if there are any updates on the capture of this guy.

news stories May 12, 2025 (9:00 am)

Just learned that all 4 local news stations have run a story on him now and CrimeStoppers is involved. Here’s a link to the KOMO story: https://komonews.com/news/local/notorious-animal-abuser-on-run-cutting-ankle-monitor-child-sex-crimes-david-williford-home-arrest-incest-north-admiral-molestation-washington-department-of-corrections.
Still haven’t been able to get any info from DOC or SPD though.

WSB May 12, 2025 (9:24 am)

I have had an inquiry out to DOC since early today, again. Will check with CrimeStoppers, which doesn’t routinely send us notifications since we’re so geographically focused.