2 victims of Skagit Co shooting rampage file claims

 2 victims of Skagit Co shooting rampage file claims

A Washington State Trooper leads shooting suspect, Isaac Zamora, 28, to the county jail, Tuesday Sept. 2, after a shooting rampage that left six dead.

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By KOMO Staff

SKAGIT COUNTY, Wash. -- Two more victims of the 2008 shooting rampage that left six people dead and four others injured have filed claims against the state Department of Corrections, alleging negligence of suspect Isaac Zamora.

The estate of Chester M. Rose, who was shot to death, as well as Ben Mercado, an injured victim, filed the claims for damages on Wednesday for $10 million and $1 million, respectively.

"Every family grieves in its own way and takes its own time, but we expect that eventually all of the victims will join in the claim," said attorney Dean Brett of Brett & Coats.

The claims allege the DOC failed on several levels in its dealings with Zamora.

In May 2008, Zamora was convicted of possession of cocaine, and sentenced to six months at a county jail. After serving time, Zamora was released before his risk level could be correctly determined, even though "the DOC intake contained insufficient information because Zamora had refused to cooperate," the claim states.

Following Zamora's release, the DOC failed to keep track of the felon, even though he had an extensive criminal history including 21 prior convictions, five of which were felony convictions, the claim alleges.

The DOC is accused of failing to conduct a mandatory home visit within 10 days of release, failing to complete a substance and mental health evaluation for Zamora, and failing to establish a supervision plan for the felon.

The claim also alleges that when Zamora failed to keep in contact with his probation officer as he was required to do, an arrest warrant was not issued.

Zamora is charged with 20 felony counts, including aggravated murder, in the Sept. 2, 2008 shooting spree that began near Alger, Wash. and ended some 20 miles south in Mount Vernon. The rampage left six people, including Skagit County Sheriff's Deputy Anne Jackson, dead and four others injured.

Mercado was shot in the arm while riding his motorcycle. He later said the pain was similar to being hit with a sledge hammer.

"I just didn't know. I'd never been shot before," he said.

Rose, 58, was found shot near Alger, at the same location as Jackson.

At a hearing several days later, Zamora claimed, "I kill for God. I listen to God."

The felon's mother, Dennise Zamora, said she has tried for years to get help for her son to no avail.

Calling him "desperately mentally ill," she said her son has been suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder ever since the family's home burned down 12 to 14 years ago. Those symptoms, left untreated over the years, had gravely worsened, she said.

Dennise Zamora said she believes her son is responsible for the shooting rampage. In the days leading up to the tragedy, he had begun sleeping in the woods and breaking into neighbors' homes, the mother said. His neighbor reports having witnessed his bizarre behavior.

Also killed in the shooting spree were David Thomas Radcliffe and Gregory Neil Gillum, both of Mount Vernon; Julie A. Binschus of Sedro-Woolley; and Leroy Lange of Methow.

In December Isaac Zamora was ruled incompetent to stand trial, and ordered to be hospitalized and medicated before court proceedings can continue. He is currently being held at Western State Hospital where he'll be medicated by force if necessary in an effort to restore his competency.

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