Lynnwood man gets 12 years for robbing, beating 91-year-old
EVERETT, Wash. (AP) - A Snohomish County judge sentenced a Lynnwood man to more than 12 years in prison for the violent robbery of a 91-year-old man at a gas station.
Patrick Hartness punched Harold Caywood during the robbery and left him bleeding. Caywood died several weeks later. A medical examiner could not say whether Caywood died because of injuries suffered during the August robbery because he had pre-existing conditions.
Because of that uncertainty, prosecutors decided not to pursue murder charges against Hartness.
Even at 91-years old, Caywood's family said he was still living his life when Hartness attacked him outside a local AM/PM gas station.
His daughter, Susan Fenner, said his health continued to deteriorate after the attack.
"He was a very active man, and after that assault he was never the same and he just declined, declined, declined," Fenner said.
While they didn't pursue murder charges, prosecutors sought a long sentence and judge agreed Monday.
The Everett Herald reports that the 12-year sentence is about two years less than the low-end sentence for a second-degree murder conviction and about three times longer than a standard range sentence for first-degree robbery.
Police suspect the Caywood beating and robbery wasn't the only crime Hartness committed. In the weeks following the robbery, police said they discovered more elderly people who they believe fell prey to Harntness.
"We came up with additional information that did link him to other burglaries, and also to identity theft," Aaron Snell of the Everett police said in October.
Hartness' attorney Will Steffener said his client was high on heroin at the time of the robbery.
Patrick Hartness punched Harold Caywood during the robbery and left him bleeding. Caywood died several weeks later. A medical examiner could not say whether Caywood died because of injuries suffered during the August robbery because he had pre-existing conditions.
Because of that uncertainty, prosecutors decided not to pursue murder charges against Hartness.
Even at 91-years old, Caywood's family said he was still living his life when Hartness attacked him outside a local AM/PM gas station.
His daughter, Susan Fenner, said his health continued to deteriorate after the attack.
"He was a very active man, and after that assault he was never the same and he just declined, declined, declined," Fenner said.
While they didn't pursue murder charges, prosecutors sought a long sentence and judge agreed Monday.
The Everett Herald reports that the 12-year sentence is about two years less than the low-end sentence for a second-degree murder conviction and about three times longer than a standard range sentence for first-degree robbery.
Police suspect the Caywood beating and robbery wasn't the only crime Hartness committed. In the weeks following the robbery, police said they discovered more elderly people who they believe fell prey to Harntness.
"We came up with additional information that did link him to other burglaries, and also to identity theft," Aaron Snell of the Everett police said in October.
Hartness' attorney Will Steffener said his client was high on heroin at the time of the robbery.
"We came up with additional information that did link him to other burglaries, and also to identity theft," Aaron Snell of the Everett police said in October.
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So...will the prosecutor pursue those charges?
Boy something really, needs to happen to this guy.  Please get the word out to ALL the prisoners.... where he is going, POS I second that....
"Hartness' attorney Will Steffener said his client was high on heroin at the time of the robbery." Well, that excusses everything. POS!
They may have not charged him with murder but he murdered that man.
 @Anarchy I believe a jury would agree, too.
What a piece of crap hope the boys in prison will give him some advice:)
I hope this scumbag never makes it out of jail...
More than likely, since they are claiming he was under the influence, he will receive a DOSA sentence and be given a lighter consiquence to his actions as long as he complies to all recommendations set forth by the courts. This will reduce his sentence in half if he completes recommendations, if given the DOSA sentence guidelines. Something wrong with the justice process/system in this state to keep protecting the criminals not the citizens.
 @armywife Right on all counts. What is basically wrong with our "justice system" is calling it justice in the first place.Â
He got lucky, unlike the victim.Â
I can only hope that the inmates show Patrick Hartness the same kind of "love".
Only 12 years??? Are you kidding me???? We all know he won't be serving that whole time.... Anyone who is that cruel and evil should be locked up for life. He is a worthless POS who has zero value to society and we would all be better off without people like him free.
What does this mean? Will he get out in 5 because of time served and good behavior? We've got some seriously bad penalty laws.
Hopefully he becomes his cell mates Bi***. What a worthless P.O.S.
Something is very wrong with the legal system. If someone dies as a direct or indirect result of actions committed during a felony, that should be life.
What a POS
He actually got more time than I thought he would get but should have received more. What really bugs me the most is that old man made it to his ripe old age only to be taken out in such a cruel manner, that's the kind of homecoming somebody gave him and makes me just sick.
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"The Everett Herald reports that the 12-year sentence is about two years less than the low-end sentence for a second-degree murder conviction and about three times longer than a standard range sentence for first-degree robbery."
Pat Healy from Something About Mary?
It is my sincere hope that this mutt does each and every day of his sentance.
With parole violations and other habitual offender crap, that twelve will be twenty-five before you know it.
What a worthless cowardly piece of meat.
This story is so horrible. To think that this low life scum of the earth will be free before he is 38 sickens me. To assault an innocent elderly man is just appalling. I truly hope someone takes revenge on him in prison. I'll probably be the next top story for saying that. I don't even care anymore. Prison sentences need to fit the crime. This one falls way too short. May Mr. Caywood's family find peace in his memory. This is something that they will never forget. I am sure if Mr. Caywood was alive that would sadden him to no end.
Enjoy your time in jail, methhead! Don't want you back out any time soon!
What a coward.
12 years doesn't sound right to me.
That's one violent M bleeper if he committed that violent crime while dosed with heroin, no? Did I miss something? I have never seen a story about someone high on heroin committing violent crime (Sid Vicious and Nancy Spungen excepted, even then he may have not done it). Most of the junkies I come in contact with seem barely able to hold their heads up.Â
Oh thanks again KOMO.....another image to print and take with me to the gun range this weekend!!!! :o)...Training, training, training!!!
Oh boy, 12 years!! There is def no way he will EVER commit any other crime when he gets out, he will come out a new and improved man, and will want to help our community. (not)