Federal Way woman barely survives violent attack by car thieves: 'I was dead on arrival at Harborview'



FEDERAL WAY, Wash. -- Jennifer Scrimshire feels blessed to be alive. She was brutally attacked outside her apartment in Federal Way on March 17 and "was dead on arrival" at Harborview Medical Center.

"I'm living thanks to the Lord above and those 10 doctors," said Scrimshire.

Police say they believe she interrupted at least two thieves stealing her SUV when she went outside of her apartment at on 18th Lane South  for a smoke before bed.

"There was people who heard me yelling, Hey, that's my vehicle, and then some people heard me screaming," said Scrimshire.

A neighbor found her lying on a speed bump. Her skull, face and vertebrae were fractured.

Doctors removed part of her skull to perform brain surgery so she wears a helmet now. She spent 23 days in the hospital and now makes the trip to Harborview three days a week with her wife for physical therapy.

"For Jennifer, one of the key things is going to be getting her ready for her job. Because her work is lifting heavy sacks," said Dave Colescott, her physical therapist.

Scrimeshire moved to Federal Way from California two years ago to work at ConAgra Foods, where she makes pancake and waffle mix. It's a job she needs because the attack didn't just hurt her physically. They are suffering financially as well.

"My mission is to get back to work and provide for my family like I always have and I will get there," said Scrimshire.

Police recovered her stolen SUV in Auburn shortly after the attack and collected evidence from the vehicle and from the scene.

"We've sent that evidence off to the crime lab. That evidence is coming back and we're starting to put together new leads so what would really help us would be a name," said Cathy Schrock with Federal Way Police.

Detectives say Scrimshire's attack is not connected to the three murders that occurred within 48 hours of each other in Federal Way. They are hoping someone will come forward who knows who might be stealing cars in the area that could give them a lead on the suspects.

Scrimshire doesn't go out alone at night for a smoke anymore and neither do any of her neighbors.

"We make sure that we take protection like bats or knives if we have to and just stay together; it's not safe to come out here," said Melissa Martinez.

They are making sure everyone is protected until police catch the suspects who tried to kill their friend.

"There's somebody out there that did this to me," said Scrimshire.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case. Call 1-800-222-TIPS or go to http://www.safecityfw.com