'I'm so thankful I got to spend time with him'

By Matt Markovich Published: Sep 20, 2009 at 7:05 PM PDT
'I'm so thankful I got to spend time with him' »Play Video
Family and friends of Collin Cross share their memories of him at a service in Marysville on Sunday.
MARYSVILLE, Wash. - Family and friends said their last goodbyes Sunday to a 21-year-old Snohomish County man gunned down at an Everett espresso stand.

Police say Collin Cross allegedly died at the hands of his girlfriend's former boyfriend, Bud Michael Fraser of Marysville.

Cross had quite an extended group of family and friends. They all packed into a Seventh-day Adventist Church in Marysville for a memorial service on Sunday afternoon.


 Collin Cross
During the service they spoke of a young man who was helpful to others, a beacon of light, enthusiasm and caring.

Born in Bellevue, he was a rambunctious kid who was always on the move.

But it was early Monday at about 5 a.m. when Cross was gunned down as he sat in his car in a parking lot in Everett.

Police say Cross had just dropped his girlfriend, Danielle, off at the Cowgirls Espresso stand, where she worked. He then stopped in the parking lot to walk his dog near the Everett Mall while his girlfriend made him a cup of coffee.

His girlfriend heard gunfire and saw that he had been shot. She called 911. Officers arrived at the parking lot in the 300 block of Everett Mall Way and found Cross dead at the scene.

Through her tears, Danielle spoke at the service, standing next to Cross' dad.

"He saved many people's lives, including my own, from evil, with his happiness, advice, wisdom and forgiveness - and most importantly, love," she said. "I finally found what true love was, and I'm so thankful that I got to spend all my time with him."

The shooting sparked a manhunt for Fraser, 21.

He was arrested next day at a truck stop by Ellensburg police officers after Everett police received a tip Fraser was in the area. Police believe Fraser hitchhiked his way from Everett to Ellensburg on Monday night.

Cross' friends called the killing a "jealous, senseless act" at the memorial service.

There was nothing but thoughts of goodness and graciousness toward Cross, who brought so many smiles to all the lives he touched, friends and family said.