Days after a man was murdered at a West Seattle homeless camp, the encampment was torched, prompting outrage from frustrated neighbors who said Monday that something must be done to curb the lawlessness.
From charred debris to propane tanks, makeshift toilets and mounds of garbage, KOMO News got a look inside the Delridge homeless encampment after it had been set on fire.
For residents who live in the area, fear and frustration have resulted among those who live across the homeless camp along SW Juneau Street and 26th Avenue SW.
They said they have witnessed drug deals, prostitution, burglaries, cars stolen, shootings and last week, a murder.
“Not feeling safe at all. Nope," said concerned neighbor Karl Derrick, who has lived in the neighborhood since 1986 and dodged bullets last year from a drive-by shooting. “They’re making choices based upon their circumstances and the world upon which they live. That’s fine and I respect their choices until such time, as the bullets start flying in the direction of my house. which they have. Then I say, 'Alright this is unacceptable.'"
Last week, police said Jaycee Thompson, 43, barged into a man’s makeshift structure at the camp before shooting him in the face with a shotgun.
The victim, who has not been identified, died.
Thompson has been charged with murder, kidnapping, attempted robbery and unlawful possession of a firearm in connection with the shooting as well as a crime spree before and after the shooting incident.
Neighbors say campers left the encampment after shooting, but someone came back over the weekend and torched what was left.
The Seattle Fire Department said its firefighters responded to a brush fire at the encampment, and no one was injured.
Neighbors are now asking the city to clean up the mess at the encampment that is now sitting empty and emanating pungent odors.
They’re also calling for city leaders to step up and come up with policies making communities safer.
“I hold government accountable for that’s their role,” Derrick said. “They’re role is to set up a situation where all the citizens feel safe, comfortable, able to function in our neighborhood without fear of being shot and we’re not there.”