2 more arrested in murder of 13-year-old boy in Kent
KENT, Wash. - Two more suspects are now under arrest in connection to the shooting death of 13-year-old Matthiew Stavkovy.
Family and friends say there is a sense of relief that the two will face justice in this case. However, they say that at this time, they are more focused on remembering Matthiew than the two who were taken into custody.
"Out of all the places, a park like this should be a place where kids could be safe," said Vlad Melnik, a family friend.
Stavkovy’s friends and family have been keeping watch over his memorial at Turnkey Park for several days, grateful that Kent Police arrested two more teens, accused of being involved in the shooting that took his life on July 16.
"At the end of the day, the kids that live down the road went to a park. So, I feel like that’s an OK place for kids to go and be safe at, but unfortunately they weren’t," said Melnik.
According to court documents, Stavkovy was at the park with a group of friends who were meeting someone to sell a camera.
Once the group got there, they were approached by the alleged buyer, when a man wearing all black came over and pulled out a pistol.
Murder charge for man connected to fatal shooting of 13-year-old in Kent
A first-degree murder charge has been filed against a man connected to a shooting that claimed the life of a 13-year-old boy in Kent last week.
The camera equipment was stolen, and the group heard gunshots. Stavkovy was hit as he tried to flee on an ATV with his sister. She drove him to a nearby apartment complex after he was hit to get help. However, his injuries were too severe.
Kent Police arrested a 17-year-old and a 19-year-old at a home in Covington on Thursday following a standoff. The 19-year-old is being held on $2 million bail, and could face first-degree murder and first-degree robbery charges.
Kent Police Chief Rafael Padilla released a statement saying;
"While there is no way to compensate for the incredible loss felt by the Stavkovy Family and the community, it is my hope that today’s arrests in addition to the arrest made last week, provide them some measure of comfort. From the time our officers responded to the tragic shooting of Matthiew, our detectives have worked nonstop to identify and arrest those responsible. I am incredibly thankful that KPD has such outstanding women and men dedicated to serving and protecting the Kent Community."
"They are obviously in a time of grieving. They are more concerned, just focused on Matthiew than these guys, but they are also relieved for sure they have been arrested," said Melnik.
Friends set up an online fundraiser for the family. They are planning a memorial for him Sunday.
"I think there’s often cases where it just, goes way to long with people not getting arrested until they commit multiple times, terrible crimes," said Melnik. "So, the fact that these guys won’t be given an opportunity to commit another crime, at least in the near future that’s good news."
Another man was arrested last week, accused of being involved in the organizing of the sale of the camera equipment that ended with the theft of that equipment and then the shooting, so it brings the total number of arrests in the case to three.
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