Renton, WA — A 19-year-old from Renton, identified as K’Shawn Konscience Jimerson, was released on $50,000 bail only a day after his arrest for the alleged fatal stabbing of 65-year-old veteran and handyman Michael Gray. The incident, which has sent ripples through the Renton community, unfolded on a quiet Friday afternoon when Jimerson reportedly alerted authorities through a 911 call, claiming he had committed the act in self-defense.
According to the Renton Police Department, Jimerson told the dispatcher that he stabbed the victim following an altercation and would wait outside the residence with the weapon until officers arrived. Upon their arrival, police found Jimerson, covered in blood and holding a large butcher knife.
Inside the home, officers discovered Gray with multiple stab wounds. Despite immediate life-saving attempts by the responding officers, Gray succumbed to his injuries at the scene. The collected evidence included the knife, which was recovered from a sink filled with detergent.
During his initial court appearance, despite the police’s objection to his release, Jimerson’s bail was set at $50,000 based on his self-defense claim, significantly lower than the $2 million suggested by the prosecution. This decision, rendered by Judge Michelle Gehlsen, came after the police filled the court form marking a strong recommendation against the release, citing the severity and circumstances of the crime.
The community and local authorities expressed concerns over the low bail amount, considering the gravity of the allegations involving second-degree murder. In response to these concerns, the prosecution has filed a motion to reconsider the bail condition, with a hearing scheduled later in the week.
Further complicating the investigation, surveillance video obtained by detectives allegedly shows a more contentious interaction leading up to the stabbing. The footage claims to document Jimerson aggressively pursuing Gray with a large wooden club, striking him in the back of the head and continuing to assault him after he fell.
Jimerson, who had recently relocated back to Washington from Texas where he lived with his mother, reportedly had hired Gray through his grandmother to perform maintenance in the apartment. Gray, who lived across the street from the scene of the crime, spent a day and a half cleaning the walls of Jimerson’s apartment before the incident.
Neighbors described Gray as a helpful and generous man, always ready to assist those in need around his residence. They also noted his service as a military veteran, highlighting his continued commitment to service in his civilian life.
As the community grapples with the shock of this violent act, the upcoming court proceedings are expected to reveal more details about the motives and the sequence of events that led to this tragic incident. Meanwhile, Renton Police maintain their stance on the case, advocating for a reassessment of the release conditions given the nature of the alleged crime.