BOTHELL — Authorities have identified the man shot and killed last week in what police believe was a drug robbery north of Bothell.
The deceased was identified Wednesday as Jason Martinell, of Granite Falls. He was 42.
Michael Knapinski, the Woodinville man suspected of killing him and dumping his body in a Safeway parking lot, remained in the Snohomish County Jail with bail set at $1 million. Investigators arrested Knapinski for investigation of second-degree murder.
Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives believe Martinell was dealing drugs.
On Friday night, Martinell went to race RC cars with a friend just off Highway 522 near Maltby, according to a police report. He brought all the drugs he had.
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Just before 10 p.m., Martinell went outside, the friend told investigators. He talked to Knapinski, who was driving a black Toyota Sequoia. The friend overheard Martinell agree to sell all his drugs to Knapinski for $1,900, according to court papers. Martinell got in the Sequoia and left. The friend followed them.
The friend reportedly followed for about 5 miles, until Knapinski parked at the Safeway at 20711 Bothell Everett Highway. He watched as the Sequoia’s passenger door opened, someone got out and the SUV drove away.
The friend drove up to the spot where the Sequoia had been parked. He found his friend lying on the ground, according to police. He fled. Too scared to call police, he stayed out all night.
When deputies found Martinell, he didn’t have any drugs on him, according to court papers. They believe Knapinski, 49, stole them.
As of Wednesday, prosecutors hadn’t formally charged Knapinski in Snohomish County Superior Court.
Jake Goldstein-Street: 425-339-3439; jake.goldstein-street@heraldnet.com; X: @GoldsteinStreet.
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