Neo-Nazi Violence On The Rise
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They met for a short ceremony called a "Moment of Blessing".
"He was a gentle person, really sweet, sincere," says Matlean Hollis, Townsend's case manager. "Wanted to help out when he could."
"I just hope that Randy has a better peace of mind and that he is away from all the tragedies and the stress of the world," says one of Townsend's friends in the homeless community.
Tacoma police arrested four people in connection with Townsend's murder. Pierce County prosecutors say they are white supremacists.
The Anti-Defamation League believes the attack may have been an initiation rite for young skinheads. Brian Goldberg, with the ADL, explains how the process works: "Once you've spilled blood, then you get your red shoelaces for your Doc Martens -- that's a symbol that you've been initiated."
One of the suspects, Kurtis Monschke, writes on a "White Pride in Washington" Web site and on the skinhead Web site "Volksfront." He posts under the screenname Sharpshooter and leaves racial hate messages.
In addition to Townsend's brutal murder, there are other signs according to the ADL that neo-Nazi hate activity is on the rise in Western Washington.
According to the ADL, skinheads are showing up at peace marches around Seattle, carrying signs protesting "no war for Israel" and blending in with and trying to masquerade as a mainstream group.
"It's very troubling," says Goldberg. "They feel this is a safe and secure place for them and a place where they can recruit allies and people who may support their cause."
Goldberg says this is the first time in years neo-Nazi hate groups are actively recruiting in Western Washington. And he warns that acts of violence like Randy Townsend's murder may just be the beginning.
Pierce County prosecutors are charging all four suspects with aggravated first-degree murder. They are 19-year-old Kurtis Monschke, 20-year-old Scotty Butters, 19-year-old David Pillatos and 22-year-old Tristian Lynn Frye.
