First Hill ax murder suspect charged with second deadly homeless attack

Liam Kryger, a 25-year-old man, now faces two counts of first-degree murder for the ax murders of homeless men Paul Ewell and Daravuth Van in Seattle. Evidence, including mobile phone data and video footage, links Kryger to both killings, with Ewell found dead on February 10 and Van murdered shortly after. Kryger has pleaded not guilty in both cases, and prosecutors have successfully moved to revoke his bail, now set at $5 million. The United Way King County issued a statement underscoring the need to humanize unhoused individuals, stating that “the stakes are literally life and death. ” Prosecutors also noted Kryger's previous violent criminal history, which involved a 2018 burglary and stabbing that led to treatment under the King County Mental Health Court.

The ongoing investigation includes potential connections to other assaults against homeless individuals in the area. Mental health competency issues could prolong Kryger's legal battles, similar to previous cases in the region. The situation raises critical questions about the safety and treatment of vulnerable populations in Seattle.