Investigators use videos to link suspect to fatal Wallingford house fire

Seattle prosecutors charged Letian Shi, 25, with first-degree murder and arson after he allegedly set a fire that killed 72-year-old Susan Klee. Firefighters rescued Klee from her burning home in the Wallingford neighborhood on June 4, but she died two days later from smoke inhalation. Investigators utilized surveillance footage and a sales receipt from Dick's Drive-In to link Shi to the crime. Footage showed a figure in dark clothing approaching Klee's home shortly before the fire, with flashes of light indicating the flames. Another fire occurred at nearby Sun Bear Park shortly before Klee's house was set ablaze.

Detectives noted that Shi's credit card information from Dick's revealed his identity, confirming he was in the area at the time of both fires. Police arrested him on July 10 after conducting surveillance. The case highlights the use of video evidence in solving violent crimes.