DORI MONSON

Congressman Reichert outraged over potential release of murderer

Aug 31, 2015, 12:17 PM | Updated: 3:02 pm

Apparently the DCCC didn't remember that Congressman Dave Reichert said he would "never" endorse Do...

Apparently the DCCC didn't remember that Congressman Dave Reichert said he would "never" endorse Donald Trump. (AP)

(AP)

A man serving three life terms for murdering three people in a SeaTac tavern could be out on the streets by February 2018.

Timothy Pauley, who pleaded guilty for the killings in the Barn Door Tavern, will go before the state’s Indeterminate Sentence Review Board on Sept. 15 to discuss his early release.

Pauley, 21 years old at the time, and Scott Smith killed the night manager, a bartender and a former waitress of the tavern on June 12, 1980. They also left two women for dead in the bathroom, tying cords around their necks.

Pauley, who is now 56, could be freed because of his remorse and good behavior. King County Prosecutor Dan Satterberg told Dori that Pauley has been described as a “model inmate” who has become a mentor, among other things.

“He’s a model inmate and I hope he remains a model inmate for the rest of his life,” he told KIRO Radio’s Dori Monson.

The idea of releasing someone who assaulted and murdered people in such a grisly manor has Washington congressman Dave Reichert furious.

Listen: King County Prosecutor discusses killer’s chance of parole

“We’re going to let this guy out of prison for being a model prisoner and behaving himself?” he asked rhetorically.

The problem stems from pre-1984 law that states prisoners can get life in prison, with the possibility of parole. An equation is used to calculate “good time behavior,” according to Reichert. That’s in contrast to the current law, where prisoners charged with murder either get life in prison or the death penalty.

It’s a situation that Reichert is taking on an almost personal level. The congressman was a King County sheriff’s detective at the time of the tavern murders and witnessed the scene first hand.

Reichert met with the Review Board to discuss the Pauley’s potential release. He wants to know what kind of message it would send to the families impacted by the attack if Pauley was released.

“Now they have to live with the fact that this guy could be out and may be thinking, ‘gee, I wonder how those women are doing,'” Reichert said. “Maybe he never does that, but that’s the fear they have to live with.”

Maybe even more frightening: How does the Review Board know Pauley won’t commit another crime?

The Review Board is appointed by the governor. Some have been appointed by Gov. Jay Inslee, others were in place before Inslee took office, according to Reichert. The congressman wants concerned residents to put pressure on the governor’s office, asking Inslee to have the Board think twice before releasing Pauley.

“I don’t care if it’s premature or not,” Reichert said of Pauley’s release, which will be discussed in a few weeks. “The Governor should take the time to talk to the congressman who represents the people who are victims of this crime.”

Pauley finished his first sentence in 1999. Even when considering the pre-1984 law, he would be in prison until 2040.

Dori Monson Show

Dori Monson

Dori Monson stage show...

MyNorthwest Staff

Watch: Dori Monson’s ‘What are the Odds?’ stage show

In 2019, Dori Monson hosted a stage show - 'What are the Odds?' - which introduced you to the people who helped shape his improbable career.

1 year ago

Dori Monson welcomes the Moose back to KIRO. Follow @http://twitter.com/Mynorthwest...

MyNorthwest Staff

A collection of the all-time best Dori Monson stories

With the passing of Dori Monson, a collection of some of his top stories to remember all the hard work Dori brought to Seattle.

1 year ago

Alaska, fishing...

KIRO Newsradio staff

Listen: Friends, colleagues offer tribute to KIRO Newsradio’s Dori Monson

All day Monday, KIRO Newsradio's John Curley talked to friends, news makers, and more in tribute to Dori Monson.

1 year ago

Dori Monson Shorecrest...

Dori Monson Show

How to support charities reflecting Dori Monson’s values, passions

In tribute to Dori Monson, learn more about how you can support these three charities which best reflect his values, passions, and advocacy.

1 year ago

From left, Producer Nicole Thompson and KIRO host Dori Monson. (Courtesy of the Monson family)...

MyNorthwest Staff

Broadcasters, politicians, coworkers and friends remember Dori Monson

Dori Monson, a longtime KIRO Newsradio host, passed away Saturday. He is remembered by public figures, broadcasters, coworkers, and listeners.

1 year ago

Dori Monson...

MyNorthwest Staff

Longtime KIRO Newsradio host Dori Monson dies at age 61

We are deeply saddened to announce Dori Monson's sudden passing on Saturday, December 31, 2022, at a Seattle hospital.

1 year ago

Congressman Reichert outraged over potential release of murderer