Domestic Violence Murder Charge Filed In Renton Killing

RENTON, WA — King County prosecutors filed a second-degree murder charge Wednesday against a man accused of fatally shooting his girlfriend outside the Echo Mountain Apartments in Renton on Aug. 21.

Prosecutors allege Vaughn Alexander Weems, 38, killed Montisha Offord during an argument then left the area, evading law enforcement for 41 days before he was arrested in early October at a Tukwila hotel.

Charging documents allege Weems shot Offord outside a Renton apartment complex then fled in his vehicle. Witnesses called 911 but worried an ambulance was taking too long and drove Offord to Valley Medical Center, where she later died.

According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office, Weems has an extensive criminal background, with nearly three dozen previous convictions in Washington, including those for domestic violence.

Prosecutors argued in court filings:

"Weems' senseless slaying of Montisha Offord, coupled with over two decades of violently offending against members of our community proves by clear and convincing evidence that Weems has a propensity for violence that creates a substantial likelihood of danger to the community if Weems is allowed bail. Weems presents a particular threat to his intimate parents as demonstrated by his killing of Offord and Weems' many prior domestic violence convictions."

The judge agreed to deny bail and scheduled an arraignment hearing for Oct. 20, where Weems will enter a plea.