SEATTLE — The man accused in the Halloween-night shooting death of a Seattle policeman remains hospitalized, and authorities were expected to talk more about why they believe the suspect is a domestic terrorist who held a grudge against law enforcement.
Police scheduled a news conference for this afternoon to discuss the case against Christopher Monfort, 41.
Meanwhile, the assault trial of a former King County sheriff’s deputy has been put on hold over concerns that Monfort may have been motivated by the deputy’s actions.
Deputy Paul Schene, 32, was fired after being caught on video repeatedly punching a 15-year-old girl in a SeaTac City Hall holding cell. The girl had kicked her shoe at him.
The video was released to the media, and investigators believe that anger about it might have motivated Christopher Monfort to shoot and kill Seattle police officer Timothy Brenton.
Schene’s lawyers requested the delay over concerns that news of the Brenton killing could affect how jurors see Schene’s case. Schene’s fourth-degree assault trial is set to resume Jan. 11.
Monfort was shot by detectives in the parking lot of his suburban Tukwila apartment complex on Friday. The detectives were pursuing a tip that a car at the complex matched the description of a vehicle seen nearby when officer Timothy Brenton was killed.
Authorities say the detectives opened fire after Monfort pulled a handgun.
Investigators found improvised explosive devices and two rifles at Monfort’s home, said Seattle Assistant Police Chief Jim Pugel. No evidence has been found suggesting Monfort worked with others, Pugel said.
King County prosecutors were preparing a potential death penalty charge against Monfort, The Seattle Times reported.
Police also believe Monfort played a role in the Oct. 22 fire-bombings of four police vehicles.
Brenton was sitting in a car Oct. 31 with rookie Officer Britt Sweeney following a traffic stop when shots were fired. Sweeney was grazed in the neck.
The shooting between detectives and Monfort on Friday happened as a memorial service for Brenton was finishing at Seattle’s KeyArena.
Monfort arrived at Seattle’s Harboview Medical Center in critical condition with “multiple injuries” and underwent hours of surgery Friday night. Hospital spokeswoman Susan Gregg-Hanson said he remained in serious condition but stable condition today and was showing signs of improvement.
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