Several weeks ago in May, I wrote about the death of Aron Christensen and what appeared to be many questions resulting from the investigation that had been done to that point — at least what was reported at that time — and it sure left a lot of questions.
Shortly after I wrote the column, I was contacted by a member of Aron’s family. We spoke on the phone for a while. What struck me was how even-headed and rational the fellow I spoke with was. I told him I was very interested in hearing what he wanted to say.
Again, I have no reason not to believe what he or anyone else who might actually be in the know says. And most of my comments to him had to do with the processes, which understandably can be frustrating.
Like why a state office like the attorney general isn’t investigating? Or why can't there be a grand jury? In my head, I also wondered why the coroner's office did not go to the scene as required in plain reading of their job description?
And please, don’t say it's because of bears again. That’s just silly. But I kept that to myself.
As this man described some of the things that happened, which sounded bad, it only reinforced my notion that the sheriff and the prosecutor owe some kind of answers to them — and us — if, in fact, the case is closed.
I’m not so naive to believe the answers will satisfy the family. In some cases, even if everything is done right, that’s not possible, and few investigations are flawless. I’m not suggesting everything the family suffered was the fault of the sheriff or prosecutor, but I am suggesting more information should be given publicly.
My experience suggests when questions remain, a void is created and that void will be filled in by rumors and gossip, not necessarily facts. And as more time goes on, the less the facts will matter.
A day or two after my column, more information came up involving the examination of Christensen’s dog, Buzzo, by two veterinarians. That seemed to only raise more questions and, as a result, more accusations. Was there a single hole on Buzzo or was there another, suggesting the bullet passed through and — as some would say — struck Christensen? Did a detective try to influence an outcome, or was that a misunderstanding? Hopefully, if it was said at all, it was the latter.
I sure don’t know. Outside a handful of people directly involved, no one else does either. But it sure raises questions about the truth of it and the reason for the discrepancy.
The family would like the prosecutor to use a grand jury, but that option was declined. In my almost 30 years in law enforcement, I don’t think we ever had one. I’m not sure why, but I am pretty sure our prosecutor knows, and likely it has to do with our system of criminal justice.
Some states use them all the time. But not here.
The state attorney general’s office used to have some very experienced investigators, who upon request of the sheriff or police chief, could review a case and make suggestions or offer advice about improvements in the future.
I don’t know if that still exists. It was only acted upon by request of the chief law enforcement officer with jurisdiction. They didn’t reinvestigate but did review. We used them once. It can be helpful but embarrassing as they point out mistakes if they exist. They won’t get involved if just the family asks.
But I have seen another option used and that is completely under the control of a county elected official: a coroner’s inquest. Our coroner could call a jury to look into the death and, if possible, determine the manner and cause of death and even blame. Evidence is presented from both sides and a jury deliberates.
It shouldn’t change the facts, and even a conclusion may not be acted upon because evidence, admissible in court, doesn’t exist. It’s not used frequently either. I only recall a couple in all my years and it can be a messy process. Especially if it allows rumors and anything not factual to be admitted as fact.
It might be worth asking our coroner why, given the interest and apparent questions about the death of Aron, he doesn’t ask for one now. He may have a good reason. I’d be curious what it is.
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John McCroskey was Lewis County sheriff from 1995 to 2005. He lives outside Chehalis and can be contacted at musingsonthemiddlefork@gmail.com.
