Police: Son turns himself in, admits to killing father
»Play Video
TACOMA, Wash. -- A beloved teacher was murdered and a suspect was arrested, and now police say the man who confessed to the killing is the victim's own son.
Police say Jonathan Meline calmly walked into Pierce County jail early Thursday morning and confessed to killing his father, Rob Meline.
The murder has shocked the community and left a school trying to cope with the loss of a beloved teacher.
The motive for the killing is so far unknown, but what is known is that Jonathan Meline suffers from severe mental illness and has been in and out of Western State Hospital.
"Jonathan has a history of schizophrenia and it has escalated in his behavior over the past 10 years or so," said Kerry Morrison, the victim's sister in law.
Police say Rob Meline died of what is called blunt force trauma, meaning he was beaten to death in some fashion.
"Rob was very loved. A devoted family man and an amazing teacher and it's just a huge loss to the community," Morrison said.
In the past, Jonathan Meline had been arrested for car theft, but was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial. Morrison said he had been in and out of Western State Hospital over the years.
"The hope always would be that that's where he would stay on a permanent basis, and because of funding in the state has been released on a number of occasions," she said.
Neighbors say Jonathan was a little different, but they did not think he was violent.
"He seemed like an interesting guy. He used to sing songs and talk to God and stuff. He didn't seem like he'd hurt anyone," said neighbor Cameron Afzal.
As for Rob Meline, he was a much loved, much respected teacher at Camas Prairie Elementary School in the Bethel School District.
"Obviously, it's a huge loss for the community and I'm very sad for everyone involved," said neighbor Donny Vegas.
One of Jonathan's sisters went with him to turn himself in. The siblings walked to the jail, which police can't figure out because it's two and a half miles away.
Police say Jonathan Meline calmly walked into Pierce County jail early Thursday morning and confessed to killing his father, Rob Meline.
The murder has shocked the community and left a school trying to cope with the loss of a beloved teacher.
The motive for the killing is so far unknown, but what is known is that Jonathan Meline suffers from severe mental illness and has been in and out of Western State Hospital.
"Jonathan has a history of schizophrenia and it has escalated in his behavior over the past 10 years or so," said Kerry Morrison, the victim's sister in law.
Police say Rob Meline died of what is called blunt force trauma, meaning he was beaten to death in some fashion.
"Rob was very loved. A devoted family man and an amazing teacher and it's just a huge loss to the community," Morrison said.
In the past, Jonathan Meline had been arrested for car theft, but was ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial. Morrison said he had been in and out of Western State Hospital over the years.
"The hope always would be that that's where he would stay on a permanent basis, and because of funding in the state has been released on a number of occasions," she said.
Neighbors say Jonathan was a little different, but they did not think he was violent.
"He seemed like an interesting guy. He used to sing songs and talk to God and stuff. He didn't seem like he'd hurt anyone," said neighbor Cameron Afzal.
As for Rob Meline, he was a much loved, much respected teacher at Camas Prairie Elementary School in the Bethel School District.
"Obviously, it's a huge loss for the community and I'm very sad for everyone involved," said neighbor Donny Vegas.
One of Jonathan's sisters went with him to turn himself in. The siblings walked to the jail, which police can't figure out because it's two and a half miles away.
Mr. Meline was my 5th grade teacher and Mrs. Meline was my fourth grade teacher back in 94-95. They were awesome teachers and I was a member of Mr. Meline's astronomy club. Mr and Mrs. Meline may not remember who I am....but I definetely remember who they are. R.I.P Mr. Meline you are not forgotten.
i remember mr. meline
This is heartbreaking, seeing the comments by those that knew this man. I too am sorry for this great loss, I never knew Mr. Meline but can feel he was loved and will be missed. Rest in Peace.
R.I.P Mr. Meline, you will always be remembered as the best teacher i've had the pleasure of being taught by. I feel for his family and friends, and everyone who is mourning for his loss. I will always have my love for astronomy thanks to him, and the time I had with him as my teacher in 6th grade will always be cherished. Thank you again Mr. Meline for taking time out to really help kids learn and succeed in life. So for now I'll always remember you and how much I loved going to school back then when each and every time I look up into the stars!!!
Im with Melaney, I remember my brothers loved him as their teacher. I did go to Camas and to those who had him and to his family/friends I am so sorry for your loss. This was tragic and he will be missed.
I am so sorry for this family. For all involved. I had to deal with (still have to at times) a mentally ill family member. They never were violent, but there were times I was scared.
My thoughts are with you all.
If anyone has to deal with something like this, I've found that St. Francis in Federal Way (yeah, I know) actually is a wonderful place to start. They have everything and everyone that you need for and emergent situation regarding a mentally ill person. Had to take someone a couple of times. Valley was not as good for this.
Maybe that might help someone in the future. They really know what they are doing and helped us more than any other hospital.
This is a really sad story. Not only was a loved member of society taken to soon, now the family has to also deal with the fact one of their other loved ones did it. My heart goes out to this family and their friends. I hope that all of the former students of this wonderful teacher will keep telling the wonderful stories they have been telling on this site. I am sure the family really appreciates all of the memories each one brings forward.
He was my 6th grade teacher and he was such a wonderful man. I was friends with his daughter and spent the night at his house numerous times. My heart goes out to his friends and family. I will never forget him teaching us about the sun, moon and stars in class. We did a huge project on the different constellations and every night we had to go outside and map where the different constellations were. I remember that Christmas I asked Santa for a telescope because I was so into it. Never got one, but always wanted one because of his.Â
Every year Mr. Moline would participate in Walking for Healthier Babies and even though I wasn't in his class anymore he remembered who I was and always had a smile on his face. Thank you Mr. Moline for everything and I hope you are resting above and you are seeing the stars from a whole new angle. RIP
 @Melaney Hamby Your comment reminds me that when Rob was young his folks bought him a telescope. He spent hours gazing at the stars. His mom and dad were like my second parents. Our community of Washtucna (in Eastern Washington) is devastated as well. Washtucna is where he grew up and has many relatives here. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to his family. The Meline family is a very well respected and loved family of this community. We have many fond memories of them.  The only blessing in all of this is that Rob is in a much better place.
 @Melaney Hamby What a beautiful memory. Hold on tight to it. My thoughts are with you.
This man was once my teacher and is an unforgettable source of inspiration from my personal life. I knew his children and wife. I highly doubt he was ever abusive to them. He was an amazing teacher who truly loved his work and encouraged all of his students to go for their dreams. This is a tragedy for my community for sure to lose such a well respected and dedicated citizen.Â
 @Cherrie12 My "like" is your hug.
If the son is schizophrenic then the father was too. This father might have been very abusive and probably abused children as a school teacher.
@david davey Huh? Where'd you get that?
 @david davey That is not true. Just because a child has schizophrenia does not mean a specific parent does or any parent at all.
 @david davey Don't you dare go making comments like this about something you know nothing about. You didn't know the man, you have no right to say something like this. He was a wonderful, sweet, fun, encouraging and enthusiastic teacher. Sure, schizophrenia is a genetically linked disorder, but genetics are very, very complicated. Just because someone has the disorder does not in any way mean that one of their parents definitely has it. Why don't you go read a book and acquire some knowledge of a topic before you go spouting off ridiculous comments like this.
@david davey -Wow, unless you were a fly on the wall in their home or have some super power that allows you to see into other people's lives, you really have no place to make a comment like this. Remember, life has a way of circling around and kicking your arse so in the future, you may want to think before you type!!Â
@david davey WTF is wrong with you making a comment like that!!
 @david davey This man was once my teacher and is an unforgettable source of inspiration from my personal life. I knew his children and wife. I highly doubt he was ever abusive to them. He was an amazing teacher who truly loved his work and encouraged all of his students to go for their dreams. This is a tragedy for my community for sure to lose such a well respected and dedicated citizen.
 @david davey Way to go adding some totally unfounded speculation to this story
 @Larry*X*K What he said has a measure of truth to it,  mental health experts are not sure what causes Schizophrenia, it is believed, you are more likely to develope Schizophreina if a family member has it, with that being said, that is certainly not always the case, there is bizarre behavior associated with this disease, there are also other diseases that mimic Schizophrenia, for all intent and purposes, this man did not show any signs of this disease, and it is very unfair and judgemental to even suggest this is/was the cause of the sons breakdown, CT, MRI, and blood tests can help in determining if it is really Schizophrenia, there is no doubt this young man has a serious illness, it is unfortunate, but we are hearing more and more about children killing their parents, there are no good answers to why this happens, if these States slack on mental health issues, I'm affraid we will be seeing more & more of this, especially in teens.
"The siblings walked to the jail, which police can't figure out because it's two and a half miles away."
Â
Has it occured to the Tacoma police to ask the sister?
 @Wormwood maybe neither of them had driver's licenses?
Â
Terrible. Sad day for Spanaway ... great teacher.
I wish I had a nickel for every mentally ill person who doesn't get the help he needs until a violent act occurs.
your sick
Time to sue the state for incompetent mental health care and the fact it endangers citizens. The only thing the government gumbahs understand is legal proceedings.
 @Thyroid Losing proposition. The state has proven that it has no responsibility to protect individual citizens ( http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/1976377/posts), ergo, there is no legal proceeding that would force such a measure. Responsibility to protect is an individual choice; exercise it or don't, to your own peril, but the state has no responsibility.
Why did they walk to the jail? If it were me I wouldn't trust driving alone in a car with him.
update on this please! i wanna know why he attacked and killed his own father!
He has a severe mental illness.
Being an aunt to a child that was so educated touched from Mr. Meline I am sorry to see a great teacher gone. He had such a like about him that the students listened and looked forward to seeing him every day in class. My niece would come home everyday and when asked about her day she always had a great story how Mr. Meline opened thier eyes to science. This is a huge loss to the school and the community. My prayers are with the family.Â
What do we mean in and out? If he had a history and if it has only gotten worse, then why couldn't they just keep him there?
 @Zoso this is no cdc, I don't know why my profile is posted like that, this is yeah_and..
 @Zoso not, not no..DANG EDIT!!
 @Zoso They wouldn't even keep the guy that chased me and said "I'm going to rape, torture and kill the first woman I see today".Â
That woman just happened to be me. They kept him for 72 hrs. Scared the daylights out of me. At least I can RUN! He went to jail after the 72 hrs for an assault warrant..shocker.
 @Zoso never mind, that was weird.Â
 @Zoso Someone has to pay for it....those who pay will limit doing so in order to save money or to make room for other folks in need. For family members, there are few options... you cannot incarcerate or hold someone UNLESS they are an immediate danger to self and others. And "immediate danger" is not "I think he/she is going to explode... I worry that he/she is not eating... She/he cannot find the bus and ends up walking all over the city in sub-freezing temperature" Many of the signals that some of us find alarming do not rise to the level of involuntary commitment for even those with a diagnosis and a history. :( Sad for all involved.
 @cdc  @Zoso I knew someone that tried to get committed. He said he felt like he was going to explode and wind up killing people in the process. But because he couldn't say he was going to do that right this minute, the hospital wouldn't take him, nor was he able to find any 'professional' to talk to, because he had no money. I think he's ok now, but I did worry for a long time.
Mr. Meline was my favorite science teacher I've ever had. =( I had him in science class for 5th grade. If it weren't for him, I wouldn't have made it to my freshman year right now. Mr. Meline, R.I.P. when I go back there to Washington, I will come and visit you! You were the best te(acher I've ever had and it hurts me to know I can't see you again. =
Schizophrenia. We need options for these families. A schizophrenic cannot will himself to get better any more than a senile person can command their memory to come back. Families with schizophrenic children have so few options for dealing with it, they do the best they can but it's very, very difficult. This is just tragic.
Two and a half miles isn't that far for people accustomed to walking. And I can see a scenario where maybe a mentally ill brother didn't like to ride in cars, but will go to the police if the sister will go with him, and she does it because she loves him and helps to make sure he goes.
 @Commenter87643 When I took my family member to the hospital she tried to climb out of the car the entire way. I had to child lock the doors and keep her from climbing out of the sun roof and the windows. I didn't think about it until we were driving. As soon as I thought about it, she did it..like all of the sudden she had mind reading skills too. She's back to good now. Took a while and the entire family was involved. I feel so sorry for anyone that has to deal with this. She doesn't remember anything. I find that to be a blessing. We just tell her the funny parts. In order to get her to take her meds I had to act like I was taking them too. I almost OD'd on Vitamin D, and B..if that's possible.
Your comment is right on the money.
As a parent of children who attended the school and a parent who worked with him often over the past 3 years, my heart goes out to his family, his friends, his co-workers and his students. I will always remember him playing basketball with his class.Â
I am sure he will plead a mental defense for killing his father. Some sleaze bag lawyer will try to get him off with a slap on the hands. He needs to be put away for long enough till he is cured or too old to kill again. And none of this "oh he is such a good boy" crap either. He is a loaded canon and a short fuse and no one knows when he will go off. He needs to be put in a place where he can not harm people again.
 @LongBeachBum or maybe some direction on how to live a life nowa days? to get a thicker skin? to read the bible without taking it personally? to not fear getting shot at school any day of the week ? ect ,he is a teachers kid. oh no, no pressure there? this isent a scum bag! this is 87%of kids nowa days with a working parent trying to keep a roof over their heads. mainly signal ,,, to be expected by a child, not knowing the depth of our own sacrifice. tell a cop shots your kid. for freaking out ,no something has gone really wrong
This comment has been deleted
@maggie112 -you made the mistake of using the phrase, "id think"-it's obvious by your postings that you do not think. You can't spell and you certainly don't know how to construe a complete sentence so I have some suggestions for you. 1) Invest in a dictionary. 2) Use spellcheck. 3) Be quiet. I believe all of three are applicable to your existence but my vote is for number 3!!Â
@maggie112 judging from the callousness of your comment, you could use some mental help yourself and at the very least an education in an area that you are clearly ignorant on.
 @maggie112 Or just an education in general. Spelling and grammar might be a good place to start.
I had Mrs. Meline as a Science teacher in 7th grade at what was then called SJH, she was one of the best teachers there, so sad to hear this news I hope they can find peace. My condolences to the family
 @maggie112 Maggie, based on this post alone, you are a heartless ignorant person. How dare you cast aspersions on the father and mother. Perhaps your own parents would have done well to teach you a bit about compassion and a basic understanding of mental illness.
 @maggie112 He's married, his wife works at SJH or now known as SMS
 @maggie112 The mother, also a school teacher, was out of the country helping a sick relative. Rob wasn't "too busy to help his son". He was a devoted father and husband, not to mention one of the nicest person I have ever known. He and his wife did everything they could to help their son.
 @KomoReader  @maggie112 KomoReader, I am so sorry for your loss. You will be in my thoughts, along with his family especially his wife. I can't imagine the pain..but I feel pain for you and everyone involved.
Heal well, I wish I could take the pain.
 @KomoReader yeah? i be leave u . NOT, u r as insensitive as the parents. (FAMILY COMES FIRST) oh my bad ! money dos.oh yeah AND IT always will. tell we get good teaching in our schools.but DEAD IS DEAD....or we could go back to your fary tail.`
 @maggie112  @KomoReader Maggie, what is wrong with you?  Why are you being so abusive, especially to someone who just explained to you what you asked and has lost a friend?
 @maggie112  @KomoReader maggie112, nobody wants to hear your crap. Which is exactly what it is, CRAP.
Usually I don't go after people. You are an exception.
Have a nice day with yourself, I'm sure nobody around you is.
Â
 @maggie112  @KomoReader Maggie, you are an uneducated troll. Go back to your cave.
@maggie112 @KomoReader Unless you have a child or other family member with mental illness, you have no idea of what really happens in a family.
 @KomoReader From what I am gathering, Rob was a good friend of yours and I would like to let you know that you and your family will be in our prays. I hope everyone will find strength and hope once again. Sorry to hear about your lost.